Politics
‘Actually Got Worse Overnight’: Republican Lawmaker Slams Latest Spending Bill
By Jake Beardslee · May 21, 2025
GOP Tensions Rise Over Spending Bill
Tensions within the Republican Party escalated Wednesday as House Speaker Mike Johnson struggled to rally support for the latest federal spending bill amid mounting internal opposition.House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) expressed sharp criticism of recent additions to the bill, particularly a proposed increase to the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction cap, which he claims alienated many conservative members. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images
SALT Cap Sparks Conservative Pushback
“I think actually we’re further away from a deal because that SALT cap increase, I think, upset a lot of conservatives,” Harris told Newsmax. He added that conservative members are “pushing for some balancing spending reductions.” Staff photo by Sarah Gamard
Johnson Eyes Vote as Talks Falter
House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he wants to call a vote by Wednesday evening, though its feasibility remains uncertain. According to Politico, Harris claimed “that hard-liners stopped negotiating just before midnight, Wednesday.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
Harris: ‘This Bill Actually Got Worse Overnight’
“This bill actually got worse overnight,” Harris said. “There is no way it passes today. … We may need a couple of weeks to iron everything out.” Staff photo by Sarah Gamard