Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, expressed concerns over President Trump’s tax bill, stating it could become a “political albatross” for Republicans. He highlighted the bill’s potential cuts to social safety nets and significant projections for the national debt, suggesting many Republicans are uneasy about their support. “I think many of my Republican friends know they’re walking the plank on this,” Warner said during his appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
The Senate is currently rushing to pass the controversial legislation, often referred to as the “big, beautiful bill,” in time for a July 4 deadline. The House had narrowly approved the bill the previous month, which aims to extend the tax cuts initiated in 2017 under Trump, while also funding border security and energy production. However, these efforts come with trade-offs, including cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill could increase the deficit by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next decade. In addition to the increase in national debt, Warner criticized the bill for its adverse effects on rural hospitals, health insurance access, food assistance, and clean energy job prospects. The Senate is entering an extensive overnight session as they work toward finalizing the legislation, which will require approval from the House before heading to the president.
Senate Republicans are utilizing the budget reconciliation process to advance the bill without bipartisan support, a move that leaves Senate Democrats with limited options other than delaying the vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s strategy to read the entire bill delayed discussions significantly. When addressing concerns about bipartisan opposition to the bill, including some provisions beneficial to Democrats, Warner remarked, “You can put as much lipstick on this pig as you want.”
Warner also noted that the legislation could lose Republican support, stressing that the outcome was still uncertain. Meanwhile, House Republicans are feeling pressure to support the bill, fearing repercussions from both President Trump and their constituents. GOP Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas indicated he would back the measure due to its funding for border security and tax cuts, asserting that even those skeptical of the bill might ultimately support it.