Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced on Monday that the upper chamber will remain in Washington until it is able to pass President Trump’s ambitious tax cut package, raising the chances of scuttling a planned recess next week.
“Senators return to Washington today and we will remain here until this reconciliation bill is passed,” Thune said in an op-ed.
“By placing it on President Trump’s desk by the 4th of July, we will be ensuring that future generations of Americans can live in safety and prosperity,” he added.
Senators are scheduled to be on recess during the week of July 4, which has been the party’s deadline to pass Trump’s so-called “one big, beautiful bill.” Thune, though, had made clear to lawmakers in recent weeks that he will nix that plan if they need the week to secure passage of the massive proposal.
At this point, it is looking increasingly likely that the Senate GOP’s work will spill into next week as they struggle to win over the requisite 51 votes as a number of holdouts remain.
A number of conservatives have cried foul at the lack of spending cuts in the package, while moderates have remained concerned about cuts to Medicaid and phaseout of renewable energy tax credits, among other things.
The House is also expected to be out during the July 4 week, but they will not formally consider the package until it emerges from the Senate.