Conservative hardliners threatened to block Republicans’ massive tax and spending package, jeopardizing passage of President Donald Trump’s signature economic legislation.
Ultraconservatives lashed out shortly after House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he had an agreement with lawmakers from high-tax states to increase the limit on the deduction for state local taxes to $40,000.
Several hardline Republicans said House GOP leaders aren’t honoring concessions the White House promised them.
Ultraconservative Representative Andy Harris of Maryland said Wednesday morning the Trump administration promised them in a “midnight deal” deeper cuts in Medicaid and faster elimination of Biden-era clean energy tax breaks.
“I’m sorry, but that’s a pay grade above the speaker,” Harris said.
Harris said the bill doesn’t reflect that agreement and hardliners will block the package if it comes to a vote. Fellow hardliner Ralph Norman of South Carolina said the bill “doesn’t have the votes. It’s not even close.”
The White House didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Johnson said there is “a chance” the package could come to a vote Wednesday.
— With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse
