House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain issued a sharp warning on Wednesday to her Senate counterparts, urging them not to overhaul the sweeping legislative package backed by former President Donald Trump and recently passed by the House.
The legislation, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” encompasses key elements of Trump’s policy agenda — including tax reforms, changes to federal safety net programs, and enhanced border security measures.
While the bill passed the House with strong Republican support, several GOP senators have suggested they plan to revise significant portions of it. That suggestion has sparked concern among House Republicans, particularly McClain, who emphasized the importance of keeping the legislation largely intact.
“Change it 10%, but I think 30% is a lot,” McClain (R-MI) told Axios when asked about reports that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) is considering altering up to 40% of the bill’s language. “I realize the Senate has to put their fingerprints on it,” she continued. “Touch very lightly.”
McClain’s comments come amid growing internal tension within the GOP over how to approach the next stage of the legislative process. Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-ID) recently indicated his intention to push for changes such as reducing the $40,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions and making business tax cuts permanent — two points that could prove contentious.
Should the Senate move forward with substantial amendments, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) would be forced to convene a conference committee to reconcile the differences. That prospect, McClain warned, may not be appealing given the timing and political stakes.
“I happen to believe them when they say that,” McClain told Axios, referring to Senate Republicans’ public hesitance to go to conference.
The Republican push to fast-track the legislation is tied closely to Trump’s re-election messaging, which centers around economic populism, tax relief, and a return to tough border policies. Any delay or visible infighting over the bill could undercut that narrative in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
As the Senate prepares to take up the bill, McClain’s message was clear: make your adjustments, but tread carefully. The House GOP appears determined to keep Trump’s agenda intact and expects the Senate to fall in line.