Rep. Chip Roy (R) opted to vote “present” on the “Big Beautiful Bill” markup that had the U.S. House meeting late this weekend. The vote marks a shift after his earlier “no” vote.
Rep. Roy explained his decision in a detailed social media post, sharing that the bill has improved, but it still falls short in critical areas.
“After a great deal of work and engagement over the weekend, the Budget Committee advanced a reconciliation bill that lays the foundation for much-needed tax relief, border security, and important spending reductions and reforms,” he wrote on X.
Tonight, after a great deal of work and engagement over the weekend, the Budget Committee advanced a reconciliation bill that lays the foundation for much needed tax relief, border security, and important spending reductions and reforms. Importantly the bill now will move…
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) May 19, 2025
The Texas Republican praised the inclusion of Medicaid work requirements and the rollback of some climate-related spending, which he referred to as the “green new scam.” “Importantly, the bill now will move Medicaid work requirements forward and reduces the availability of future subsidies under the green new scam,” he noted.
However, Rep. Roy criticized the bill for leaving too much of the climate spending intact and for what he called the “Medicaid money laundering scam,” a funding imbalance he believes disproportionately benefits the able-bodied over the vulnerable.
“The bill does not yet meet the moment – leaving almost half of the green new scam subsidies continuing,” he wrote. “More, it fails to end the Medicaid money laundering scam and perverse funding structure that provides seven times more federal dollars for each dollar of state spending for the able-bodied relative to the vulnerable.”
He emphasized the need for further improvement and fiscal responsibility, particularly in light of the recent U.S. bond rating downgrade. “We have to do more to deliver for the American people,” he concluded.
Rep. Roy also voiced appreciation for colleagues and leadership, saying, “I am proud of Chairman Arrington, the Speaker, and my colleagues for the work we did to make progress with the White House.”
Despite Rep. Roy's vote, the House Budget Committee voted 17-16 to advance the bill, drawing praise from President Donald Trump (R).
“CONGRATULATIONS REPUBLICANS!!!” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"
