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Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) was the sole Republican to cast a decisive vote, enabling Vice President JD Vance to break the 50-50 deadlock and advance tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy, funded through cuts to essential healthcare and food assistance programs (the BBB).
Post-vote, Senator Murkowski expressed her hope that the House would ultimately reject the bill, stating, āMy hope is that the House is gonna look at this and recognize that we’re not there yet.ā
When questioned about her support for the bill, Murkowski remarked, āKill it and it’s gone. There is a tax impact coming forward. That’s gonna hurt the people in my state.ā
In response, Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) took to X, asserting that even some Republicans understand the potential dangers of the bill, saying, āEven Republicans who voted for this bill know how dangerous it is for American families. I implore House Republicans to show the courage their Senate colleague refused to and pump the brakes before inflicting irreversible damage on tens of millions of Americans.ā
However, Murkowskiās rationale appears to be riddled with contradictions.
Multiple legislative alternatives exist that could be explored instead of this bill. Notably, the tax cuts are not set to expire until the end of the year, allowing Congress ample time to extend them without resorting to cuts to Medicaid or food assistance. Moderate Republicans in the House, alongside some Democrats, have been discussing potential tax deals for months that would avoid these cuts.
Moreover, if this bill is so fundamentally flawed that even its supporters express reservations, perhaps it deserves to be shelved altogether.
Instead of merely catering to former President Trump, Republicans ought to reflect on the widespread dissatisfaction with this bill and consider what revisions, if any, could salvage it.
The so-called āBig Beautiful Billā has garnered significant disdain, appearing to be loathed by nearly everyone.
All that is needed is a few bold Republicans willing to put this legislative travesty out of its misery.
Sadly, finding such courageous legislators has proven elusive over the past decade.
What are your thoughts on Murkowski’s support for the bill followed by her call for its rejection? We invite you to share your insights in the comments below.
