How Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill’s deadline may slip

The upcoming week is crucial for the passage of a significant bill in the Senate. If everything goes according to plan, the Big, Beautiful Bill could be finalized by the end of next week. However, if there are setbacks, the Senate may be forced to work overtime, including weekend sessions and potentially canceling the July 4 recess.

Senate Republicans are currently working with Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to eliminate provisions from the bill that do not adhere to Senate budgetary rules. This process, known as “budget reconciliation,” is being used to avoid a filibuster. The bill must focus on fiscal matters and not contribute to the deficit, following the “Byrd Rule” named after the late Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd. MacDonough acts as a referee to determine which provisions align with Senate budget regulations, with the removed provisions humorously referred to as “Byrd droppings.”

Despite the lighthearted Senate humor, the decisions made during this process are pivotal to the bill’s success or failure. Information on what is included or excluded from the bill will gradually be made public over the weekend and into Monday, shaping the policy details that are crucial for the bill’s passage.

The process will continue into the following week, leading to an initial vote mid-week and concluding with a round-the-clock voting session known as a “vote-a-rama” late in the week. Once the Senate completes its amendments, the bill will return to the House for further adjustments before reaching the president’s desk.

The alignment between the House and Senate is essential before the bill can be signed into law, potentially causing a delay in meeting the July 4 deadline. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the bill as it navigates through the legislative process.

Chad Pergram, a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel, provides insights into the intricate workings of Capitol Hill politics and the challenges faced by lawmakers in passing significant legislation.