President Donald Trump hosted a White House gathering Thursday, bringing together congressional leaders and cabinet members to build momentum for his comprehensive tax and spending legislation. The president’s direct intervention signals growing urgency as Senate Republicans face uncertainty about securing enough votes for passage.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is considering scheduling an initial vote for Friday, racing against Trump’s July 4th deadline for signing the legislation into law. The timeline reflects the administration’s determination to deliver on campaign promises, though procedural hurdles continue to emerge.
The proposed legislation extends tax cuts from Trump’s first term while introducing new reductions and boosting immigration enforcement funding. However, Republican senators remain divided, with several moderates withholding their support pending further negotiations and revisions.
Democrats have mounted fierce opposition, highlighting potential cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. The Senate parliamentarian’s recent ruling against certain tax provisions has complicated the reconciliation process, potentially increasing the bill’s overall cost and making passage more challenging.