Mike Johnson is confronting a significant legislative challenge as he prepares to push the Senate-passed megabill through the House. The speaker faces opposition from within his own party, with numerous Republicans poised to reject the bill due to its deep Medicaid cuts, increased deficit, and less stringent clean-energy provisions. The urgency is compounded by a deadline set by former President Donald Trump for July 4, while severe thunderstorms in Washington D.C. threaten to disrupt proceedings.
“We’ll see. I’ve got to play the cards that are dealt to me,” Johnson stated on Tuesday, expressing his dissatisfaction with the Senate’s amendments. Despite the obstacles, he remains optimistic about passing the bill within the next 24 to 48 hours, aiming to sway fiscal conservatives and Medicaid moderates to accept the Senate’s version.
Challenges Within the Republican Ranks
The Senate’s bill has sparked criticism from key Republican factions. Members of the House Freedom Caucus, including Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), have condemned the bill for exacerbating the deficit and easing clean energy tax credits. Both representatives voted against it in the Rules Committee.
Moderate Republicans are similarly concerned about the significant Medicaid cuts, which Johnson has privately warned could jeopardize the party’s control of the House in 2026. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) delivered a scathing critique of the Senate’s Medicaid provisions, resonating with vulnerable Republicans.
“The House should go back to the original bill, leave town and come back when Senate Republicans are ‘serious,’” Norman asserted.
Efforts to Garner Support
Despite the hurdles, Johnson is making headway with some lawmakers. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) showed signs of support after previously opposing a deal on a state-and-local tax deduction. Additionally, Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) expressed optimism following a local provider tax adjustment in the amendment for New Jersey and other states.
However, the risk remains high for Johnson if he proceeds with a House vote. Many Republicans believe the bill would fail without further modifications. Nonetheless, Johnson has a track record of placing bills on the floor without secured votes, relying on Trump to pressure dissenters into compliance.
External Factors and Future Plans
Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions could delay the House vote. Over 200 flights into Reagan National Airport were either canceled or delayed on Tuesday due to thunderstorms, potentially impacting attendance and the timing of the vote.
According to FlightAware, the travel disruptions could postpone the House vote on the GOP megabill, initially expected as early as Wednesday.
Looking ahead, Johnson has hinted at additional reconciliation packages. In a Fox News interview, he mentioned plans for two more reconciliation bills during the current congressional session, which concludes in 2026. This suggests future opportunities for lawmakers to incorporate their priorities into party-line packages.
Implications and Next Steps
The outcome of this legislative push will have significant implications for Johnson’s leadership and the Republican agenda. Successfully passing the bill could solidify his standing within the party, while failure could exacerbate divisions and weaken his influence.
As Johnson navigates these challenges, the coming days will be critical in determining the bill’s fate and the broader legislative landscape. The political maneuvering and negotiations will continue to unfold as the deadline looms, with all eyes on Johnson’s ability to unite his party and deliver a crucial legislative victory.
