Thune discusses rescissions in Trump meeting.

Thune discusses rescissions in Trump meeting.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and President Donald Trump met at the White House today to discuss tax policy disputes in the GOP megabill. Among the key issues on the agenda was the $9.4 billion rescissions request sent by Trump to Congress, which aims to claw back funds from various government programs. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole described the request as a "big test case" for Congress' appetite for codifying DOGE (Digital Asset) cuts [1].

Thune emphasized that one of the biggest tax issues for him and other Finance Republicans is making key business tax incentives, such as full expensing for research and development costs, permanent. However, senators have been cagey on how they’ll make the numbers work, and the cost of this ask is a significant concern [1].

During the meeting, Thune also expressed optimism about resolving other disputes within his conference, including those related to Medicaid, food aid, and the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction cap. The Senate is expected to release its bill text by the end of next week, pushing towards a pre-July 4 vote [1].

The meeting comes as Republicans face internal pressure to address various policy disputes and external challenges, such as the 10-year ban on states enforcing artificial intelligence laws in the House GOP-passed megabill. Senate Republicans are skeptical that this provision will pass muster with the Senate parliamentarian, who arbitrates the chamber's rules [1].

In addition to tax policy, the meeting also touched on other key issues, including the House's consideration of SBA legislation related to immigration and the Senate's continued focus on nominations. The meeting is part of the ongoing efforts to finalize the GOP megabill and address the various disputes that have emerged since its introduction.

References:
[1] https://www.politico.com/newsletters/inside-congress/2025/06/04/the-tax-fights-trump-has-to-settle-00384580