Congress Nears July 4 Deadline for Trump's Tax Cut, Medicaid Bill

President Donald Trump is pushing aggressively to pass his expansive tax-cuts and spending bill, known as the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' by a self-imposed July 4 deadline, urging lawmakers to delay their recess and work through the weekend if necessary. Despite initial success in the House, the Senate faces significant challenges, including provisions ruled ineligible by the Senate parliamentarian and concerns from conservative senators worried about the bill’s fiscal impact. The White House remains confident the legislation will reach Trump's desk by Independence Day, although Senate Majority Leader John Thune has stated he will not overrule the parliamentarian’s decisions, complicating GOP efforts to bypass filibuster rules. The bill has also sparked controversy over public land sales, with bipartisan agreement to exclude certain provisions, though some senators hope to revisit these issues later. While some senators express skepticism and call for caution, others remain optimistic about meeting the deadline, reflecting ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as they navigate complex legislative and procedural hurdles. Speaker Mike Johnson and other leaders are preparing for a potentially extended legislative session to finalize the bill and advance Trump’s agenda.