President Donald Trump’s rallying speech to House Republicans Tuesday failed to convince several key conservative holdouts to support his “big, beautiful bill,” threatening the legislation’s passage ahead of a potential vote this week.
House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, Rep. Eric Burlison, Rep. Thomas Massie, and New York Reps Nick LaLota, Mike Lawler, and Andrew Garbarino all told reporters they would vote against the bill without significant changes.
“I can’t support the bill. It does not eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid. The president called for waste, fraud and abuse to be eliminated. I don’t think that’s where the bill sits,” said Harris, highlighting conservative concerns.
On social media, fiscal hawks rallied to support Massie and others —
And then they turn on Massie… 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/JTb6MHZEA7
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) May 20, 2025
But others condemned the holdouts on being “narcissistic” and “grandstanders” after Trump himself couldn’t win over their support.
The opposition to the spending bill centers on two major issues: Medicaid reform and state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps. Despite Trump reportedly telling Republicans not to “f— with” Medicaid during his speech, fiscal conservatives want more aggressive fraud checks, removing illegal immigrants from receiving the entitlement system, and faster implementation of work requirements for recipients.
“I think it’s inappropriate for us to say we’re not going to touch it and then leave all of this fraud that’s happening in the system,” Burlison said.
Meanwhile, wealthy Republicans from high-tax states like New York are demanding a higher SALT deduction cap than the $30,000 for incomes under $400,000 currently in the bill.
“Between property taxes and income taxes, it blows well past the $30,000 cap with the $400,000 income cap. So, as I’ve said repeatedly, that is insufficient,” Lawler explained. “This is the single biggest issue that I’ve talked about, and, with all due respect to the president, I’m not budging.”
The House Rules Committee began meeting at 1 a.m. Wednesday to prepare the legislation for floor consideration, but the committee is still waiting for Speaker Mike Johnson to deliver a final “manager’s amendment” addressing these concerns.
Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, who previously opposed the bill in committee, showed signs of softening his position after Trump’s speech, calling it “one of the best speeches I’ve heard.” Norman, who serves on the Rules Committee alongside fellow skeptic Rep. Chip Roy, said he would review the bill and make a “judgment call” before voting.
House Republican leaders are pushing to hold a vote before the Memorial Day recess, with sources indicating the timing against the holiday helps pressure members who want to leave town for events and parades.
Speaker Johnson appears to be finalizing an agreement to raise the SALT cap for high-tax states, though specific details have not been announced.
With a narrow 220-213 majority, Republican leaders can only afford to lose three votes to pass the legislation without Democratic support. The bill contains key Trump priorities including extensions of the 2017 tax cuts, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, and increased spending on defense and border security.
If the bill clears the House, it will still need to survive the Senate before reaching Trump’s desk for signature.