House Republicans are holding meetings to advance three of the most controversial pieces to the “big, beautiful bill” at the heart of President Trump’s agenda — and there have been some contentious moments.
A powerful set of panels — the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee — are considering steep cuts to Medicaid and an extension of the GOP’s 2017 tax cuts. Their meetings are into their sixth hours and expected to go well into the night.
The two bills expose deep divisions within the Republican conference that pit moderates against conservatives, standing to delay implementation of Trump’s key domestic policies.
The House Agriculture Committee, which proposed drastic changes to SNAP benefits, began its own meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has taken a first step toward possibly requiring a new election for two of its vice chairs, including David Hogg, who has stirred controversy with his call for primary challenges to longtime incumbents in safe seats.
Also on Tuesday, Trump addressed a massive crowd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during a tour of the Middle East that will include visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
He was greeted earlier in the day with elaborate welcoming ceremonies that included Saudi F-15s escorting Air Force One into the airport and Arabian horses guiding the presidential limousine on the way to the Royal Court.
Trump and the Saudis on Tuesday secured a $600 billion commitment along with a multibillion-dollar defense partnership following a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. It includes It includes a $142 billion defense and security deal that equips Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art war equipment provided by dozens of U.S. firms.
Trump also announced he would work to suspend sanctions on Syria, which was met with a standing ovation.
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