A handful of hardline House conservatives are threatening to tank a Wednesday procedural vote for the party’s “big, beautiful bill,” a revolt that would bring the lower chamber to a screeching halt and potentially derail GOP leadership’s plan of clearing the legislation by July 4.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Tenn.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a member of the group, both announced Tuesday that they will vote against a procedural rule — which sets parameters for debate — for the megabill because of their opposition to several parts of the sprawling package.
Republicans can only afford to lose three votes and still clear the procedural hurdle, assuming full attendance and all Democrats voting “no.” Harris said other members are considering joining their effort against the rule.
“That’s exactly why a group of us are not gonna vote to advance the bill until we iron out some of the deficit problems with the bills,” Harris said on Fox News when asked about Elon Musk’s criticism of the bill.
“Look, Mr. Musk is right, we cannot sustain these deficits, he understands finances, he understands debts and deficits, and we have to make further progress. And I believe the Freedom Caucus will take the lead in making that further progress.”
The Hill's Mychael Schnell has more here.
