Senate Referee Disqualifies Key Provisions in Republicans' Big Bill

Republicans faced a setback as the Senate referee disqualified several health care cuts and savings in their domestic policy bill from the party-line path they're using to bypass the 60-vote threshold. The disqualified provisions include Medicaid rules on funds verification, reimbursement changes to pharmacy benefit managers, provider tax restrictions, and limitations on ACA funding eligibility.

The disqualified provisions amount to $200-300 billion in savings over a decade. This poses a challenge for Republicans aiming to pass the bill for President Trump's agenda. Senate Majority Leader Thune mentioned contingency plans and uncertainty about starting votes on the bill.

While the rulings may delay Senate votes, Republican aides believe they can reword problematic provisions to comply with budget limitations. The bill uses the budget reconciliation process to pass with a simple majority, cutting out Democrats and avoiding a filibuster.

Not all news is bad for Republicans as new Medicaid work requirements were deemed compliant. Democrats expressed relief over the ruling on the provider tax but continue to challenge other provisions in the bill.

Disputes over Medicaid, clean energy funding cuts, and state and local tax deduction cap remain unresolved. Some conservatives criticized the Senate parliamentarian and called for her removal.

Thune and other GOP senators oppose overruling the parliamentarian, indicating a lack of votes to do so. Democrats vow to keep challenging provisions in the bill under Senate rules.

According to the source: NBC News.