Trump’s bill faces setbacks after Senate rules block numerous GOP provisions

The Senate GOP’s ambitious plan to pass President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” through the budget reconciliation process hit a roadblock as several provisions were found to violate Senate rules. The Senate Parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, conducted a thorough review of the bill to ensure compliance with the Byrd Rule, which dictates what can be included in a reconciliation bill.

The Byrd Rule is a set of guidelines that restrict the types of provisions that can be included in a reconciliation bill. If any provisions are found to be in violation of the rule, Senate Republicans would need to secure 60 votes to pass the bill, instead of a simple majority.

Among the provisions that were flagged by the Parliamentarian were measures that would have eliminated funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, cut funding for the Defense Department, and made changes to the pay schedule for Federal Reserve employees. These provisions, if left in the bill, would have jeopardized the ability of Republicans to pass the package without Democratic support.

Senate Democrats have vowed to use the Byrd Rule as a tool to slow down the progress of the bill and inflict maximum pain on Republicans. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has ruled out overruling the Parliamentarian, opting instead to work within the confines of the rules.

Efforts to cut wasteful spending at the CFPB and impose restrictions on Defense Department funding were among the provisions that failed to meet the Byrd Rule’s requirements. Additionally, measures to cut funding for the Financial Research Fund and change environmental regulations set by the Biden administration were also flagged for removal.

Despite these setbacks, Senate Republicans remain determined to push through Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” by the July 4 deadline. The bill, which aims to deliver significant tax cuts and regulatory reforms, is a key part of the GOP’s agenda and a top priority for the Trump administration.

In conclusion, the Senate GOP’s reconciliation bill faces challenges as it navigates the Byrd Rule and Senate rules. While some provisions may need to be stripped to comply with the rules, Republicans are committed to passing the bill and delivering on their promises to the American people. The fate of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” hangs in the balance as lawmakers work to address these issues and move forward with their legislative agenda.