Some critical rulings from the Senate parliamentarian have greatly complicated the GOP’s already complicated reconciliation bill, with plans for the Senate to vote on Friday now in doubt.
Republicans are scrambling to rewrite key provisions in the bill after the Senate parliamentarian on Thursday struck down a number of Medicaid provisions. Those provisions, essential to the cost-savings in the reconciliation package, were among the most controversial elements of the legislation, but they were also an important selling point for conservatives.
Included among the nixed provisions were proposals to cut the Medicaid provider tax, a state-imposed fee that helps states fund their share of Medicaid. While the provider tax cut was unpopular with more moderate Republicans, it was a major component for limiting the cost of the legislation and getting conservatives on board.