Leaders of the Republican party in the U.S. House are under pressure to conduct a vote on Wednesday concerning President Donald Trump’s signature domestic policy initiative. However, adverse weather conditions and ongoing dissent among GOP members are casting uncertainty over the future of the substantial legislation.
The Senate narrowly approved the bill on Tuesday, necessitating the presence of Vice President JD Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote. Now, the House must consent to the revisions made by the Senate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is in a position where he can afford to lose only three votes from his party for the package to pass along party lines. As of early Wednesday, over a dozen Republicans had expressed opposition to the bill for varying reasons.
Notably, Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio voted against the House version in May and are expected to repeat their “no” votes now.
In the previous vote, Johnson had successfully negotiated last-minute compromises to win over hesitant colleagues within his party.
However, any last-minute alterations to the bill now would necessitate its return to the Senate for another round of voting, jeopardizing the goal of meeting the self-imposed July 4 deadline.
Complicating matters further for Johnson’s slim majority are storms that struck the Washington, D.C. area on Tuesday night, leading to significant flight delays and cancellations, as reported by FlightAware.
Several lawmakers found their flights disrupted or cancelled, with additional rain anticipated on Wednesday afternoon.
As Republicans edge closer to their self-imposed deadline of July 4 to deliver the bill to Trump’s desk, the White House is reportedly engaging with various House Republicans, including some hardliners who have voiced their opposition.
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
