Trump Convenes with Senate GOP: Stalemate Persists on Major Tax and Immigration Reforms

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans convened with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday evening to strategize significant alterations to immigration, energy, and tax policies. However, the discussions yielded little in the way of concrete outcomes.

The Republican strategy revolves around employing a complicated budget reconciliation process to pass legislation without needing Democratic support, a necessity given the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule. Yet, internal disagreements persist regarding whether to consolidate their proposals into a single bill or split them into two separate measures, a crucial decision for advancing the legislative process.

The party’s leaders have not yet pinpointed specific policy changes, a task that may extend over several months as centrist and far-right members must ultimately reach a consensus. Trump claimed after the meeting that party unity remains intact despite differing opinions within the GOP regarding the legislative approach.

“Whether it’s one bill or two bills, it’s going to get done one way or another,” Trump stated. He emphasized that the goal is to reduce taxes and create jobs. Senators exiting a two-hour Capitol meeting reported no final agreements but indicated ongoing discussions.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota expressed confidence in Trump’s agenda, which focuses on border security, military rebuilding, and economic growth while avoiding significant tax hikes by extending the 2017 cuts. However, he did not clarify whether Trump had been swayed toward a two-bill strategy.

Thune noted, “We’re all in line with getting the result,” highlighting a shared commitment among GOP senators to swiftly address border, national security, and energy legislation.

The budget reconciliation process necessitates both the House and Senate to adopt a budget resolution with specific instructions before any legislation can proceed. As such, GOP leaders must agree on which committees will receive reconciliation instructions.

Senate Republican Policy Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia stated that while decisive actions were not taken during the meeting, GOP senators made their case for pursuing changes through two bills, asserting that Trump’s listening ear was beneficial for their proposals.

Capito anticipates further discussions among Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Trump to finalize their strategy.

Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri emphasized that border and energy policies rank high on the Republican agenda, while Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa described the meeting as “fun,” revealing a vibrant atmosphere where Republicans felt encouraged to engage with the incoming president.

Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, previously involved in bipartisan efforts on border security, noted Trump’s willingness to collaborate with Congress. He suggested that pursuing two bills might expedite the legislative process.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma remarked that the inclination favors two reconciliation bills, subject to Thune’s alignment with Trump’s preferences.

Last updated 7:18 p.m., Jan. 8, 2025