Mike Crapo

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee blocked a Democratic effort to stop the Trump administration's plan to shield President Trump from IRS audits. The 14-13 vote killed an amendment to a tax bill, which passed 26-1 with Sen. Elizabeth Warren opposing it. The plan involves Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS in exchange for audit immunity, with negotiations ongoing over clarifying its scope.

The Senate is considering who will fill Sen. Lindsey Graham's committee seats on key panels including Judiciary, Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and the Budget Committee. GOP leaders, including Chairman Chuck Grassley and Sen. Mike Crapo, are discussing the replacements, with Sen. Ron Johnson noted as a potential candidate for the Budget Committee.

Ron Johnson is prepared to take over the Senate Budget Committee following Lindsey Graham’s death. His ascension requires approval from the Senate Republican Conference and the full Senate. Johnson, a fiscal hawk, may play a key role in a potential third reconciliation bill, though he has expressed skepticism about its feasibility.

House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith stated he will not support the GOP’s next budget reconciliation bill without tax provisions. House Republicans are discussing potential measures for a third reconciliation bill, including healthcare fraud crackdowns and energy permitting reforms, but uncertainty remains about tax inclusion. Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo acknowledged opportunities for tax and healthcare reforms but noted challenges in aligning priorities.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent avoided answering questions during a Senate hearing about an IRS settlement with President Donald Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization, citing ongoing litigation. The settlement ended a lawsuit over the 2019 leak of Trump's tax returns and included a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent avoided answering questions during a Senate hearing about a settlement between the Trump administration and the IRS, citing ongoing litigation. The settlement, which involved dropping a lawsuit over the 2019 leak of President Donald Trump’s tax returns, included an 'anti-weaponization' fund that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche later declared dead.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent avoided questions during a Senate hearing about a settlement involving President Donald Trump, his family, and the Trump Organization, which ended a lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns. The Treasury and IRS were involved in negotiations, but Bessent cited ongoing litigation to avoid providing details.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent avoided questions during a Senate hearing about a settlement between the Trump administration and the IRS regarding tax return leaks. The settlement, which involved dropping a lawsuit over an 2019 tax return leak, includes a $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund. Bessent cited ongoing litigation to deflect inquiries about audit immunity for Trump, his family, and businesses.