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In a move that has reignited partisan tensions on Capitol Hill, House Republicans held a pivotal House Rules Committee meeting at 1:00 a.m. ET Wednesday to advance President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill, a step that drew harsh rebuke from Democrats and renewed scrutiny over the bill’s economic implications.
Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), the ranking Democrat on the committee, lambasted the GOP for convening proceedings in the early morning hours, accusing Republicans of trying to push the legislation through without sufficient public oversight.
“What the hell are Republicans so afraid of?” McGovern asked during the session. “If you’re so proud of what’s in this bill, why are you trying to ram it through in the dead of night?”
Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) defended the timing, citing long hours and the urgency of advancing the President’s agenda. She also pointed to past precedents set by Democrats, saying, “Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Foxx acknowledged that key revisions to a “manager’s amendment” package were still pending and that the timing for its release remained uncertain.
Trump’s Economic Plan Draws Fire Over Budget Impact
The meeting unfolded against a backdrop of mounting concerns over the economic ramifications of the legislation. A preliminary analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Trump’s proposed domestic policy overhaul would add $3.8 trillion to the federal deficit between 2026 and 2034.
Key cuts in the bill include:
- $698 billion reduction in federal Medicaid support.
- $267 billion reduction in food assistance under SNAP.
The CBO report was requested by House Democratic leaders ahead of the committee meeting. It reviewed the version approved Sunday by the House Budget Committee but does not reflect ongoing revisions negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP holdouts.
Poll Shows Weak Trump Ratings on Core Economic Issues
As Republicans work to push the bill forward, new polling from Marquette Law School suggests that President Trump’s standing on economic matters remains tenuous. Despite inflation and cost of living ranking as top concerns for U.S. voters, Trump receives low marks:
- 34% approval on inflation and cost of living
- 42% approval on the broader economy
- 37% on tariffs
By contrast, a 56% majority approve of his handling of immigration and border security, suggesting that public support is segmented along issue lines.
Internal GOP Debate Intensifies Over SALT Deduction Changes
Among the remaining hurdles is the issue of state and local tax (SALT) deductions. House GOP leaders are nearing a deal with moderate Republicans, particularly from high-tax states like New York, to expand the SALT cap.
The proposed compromise includes:
- Raising the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for individuals making under $500,000.
- A sliding scale deduction for incomes between $500,000 and $800,000.
- Retaining the current $10,000 cap for earners above $800,000.
The plan, however, risks alienating fiscal conservatives who oppose the measure, arguing that it effectively subsidizes states with higher tax burdens.
Next Steps and Outlook
With the Rules Committee now in motion and Speaker Johnson navigating internal divisions, the timing of a floor vote remains uncertain. Senate Republicans are expected to demand additional changes should the bill pass the House.
Whether the Trump-backed legislation advances in its current form or becomes a battleground for intra-party concessions remains to be seen. But what is clear is that Republicans and Democrats are heading for another high-stakes showdown over domestic priorities, spending levels, and the broader direction of the U.S. economy heading into the 2026 election cycle.
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