Now House Republicans are under growing duress as centrists within their own party are beginning to speak out publicly against deep proposed cuts to Medicaid. In response to the fraying conditions there, new House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently described the speaker’s office as a “waystation.” Yet, he underscored the erratic climate as Republicans scramble to complete a complex $3.5 trillion legislative package. With negotiations ongoing, the stakes are high for both sides as they seek to balance party priorities with the needs of their constituents.
Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey was the latest to burst onto the scene after a marathon 25-hour invocation of Senate rules on the floor. He cautioned that only three House Republicans may flip their vote. This change would deal a serious blow to the GOP’s prospects in their slim majority. Booker emphasized the potential consequences of abrupt policy changes on businesses that have invested heavily in renewable energy projects, particularly in Nebraska.
“You can’t pull the rug out from under businesses that have already sunk millions of dollars into renewable developments in Nebraska and beyond.” – Cory Booker
As negotiations went on, Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican Assemblywoman and key negotiator on the Republican side, recognized that compromise—both on the Republican’s and Democrats’ sides—would be necessary. There’s Don Bacon, who represents Nebraska’s most liberal-leaning district in Omaha, and he’s fighting tooth and nail to protect those Biden-era green energy tax breaks. He’s encouraged his Republican colleagues to be more laser-focused in their approach to cutting.
“Go with a scalpel. Go pick out some things,” – Don Bacon
Bacon further cautioned against sweeping reductions, stating, “You just can’t do a wholesale throw it out.” His comments come as concern mounts that some extreme measures will push away the moderate Republicans from the bill and sink it.
In Arizona, Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R) warned leaders against making any deep cuts to Medicaid. He knows firsthand how these cuts would negatively impact the thousands of residents in his district that depend on this critical program. He signed onto a letter with Bacon and other Republicans to warn House leadership about the potential fallout from proposed reductions.
“Either he changes his mind or this district changes congresspeople. It’s as simple as that,” – Cory Booker
Just last month, Senators Mark Kelly and Cory Booker toured Ciscomani’s district along Tucson’s many lines. Their statements provided an adamant warning about the potential cuts. Kelly was actively engaged in fighting against the absurdity of this all-too-common double standard. She pointed out that the purpose of the cuts is to enrich the richest Americans.
“And for what? It is so Donald Trump could give a big, giant tax cut to the wealthiest Americans. It is not fair,” – Mark Kelly
Beyond the Medicaid issue, fights over the SALT deduction still threaten to divide GOP members. Representative Nick LaLota has joined four other Republicans in pledging to withhold support unless adjustments are made to this tax provision.
“No Salt. No Deal. For Real,” – Rep. Nick LaLota
House Speaker Mike Johnson has been central to these negotiations so far. He’s about to try and navigate the wide chasm between the progressive and establishment factions of the party. Brendan Buck, the former long-time adviser to former House Speaker Paul Ryan, sounded doubtful on the party’s new approach.
“All the party’s energy is being poured into one bill, with questionable returns.” – Brendan Buck
The opportunity to finally prioritize safety in all street designs is massive. Will House Republicans be able to unify around a clear vision that captures the interest of the conservative and moderate flanks equally? The next few days will be crucial to the outcome of this fierce legislative war.
