Republicans look like they will have three votes to spare as they set up possible final votes on their megabill — possibly more, depending on attendance.
The House currently has 220 Republicans and 212 Democrats, and Democrats are expected to universally oppose the legislation. If all members vote along party lines, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose three votes.
But if one Democrat is absent, that margin would rise to four.
Four Democrats and one Republican missed the last House vote Tuesday night; three of the five said they would be voting on the megabill when it comes up. Spokespeople for two others — Reps. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) and Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) — did not respond to requests for comment.
Norcross has not voted since suffering a medical emergency in early April.
Republicans are now working to flip remaining holdouts on President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda bill. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is considered a hard “no” by GOP leaders. Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Andy Harris of Maryland are seen as key players in the hard-right faction, though some wild cards could still emerge.
Rep. John Rose of Tennessee, who’s running for governor of the red state, announced his opposition Wednesday evening over the state-and-local tax provisions, a surprise to many who had been closely watching the debate.
