Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has voiced that he is not yet ready to back President Donald Trump’s key domestic policy legislation, despite ongoing discussions with the White House and direct talks with the President himself. In an exclusive interview, Johnson revealed the administration's efforts to persuade him, including a significant proposal to establish a budget review panel aimed at revisiting deficit reduction post-bill passage.

Johnson detailed his one-on-one with President Trump held on Monday, expressing optimism about the administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility. He emphasized the necessity of a robust "forcing mechanism" to ensure the proposed savings are actualized, a major sticking point in his support for the bill. The proposed panel would include members from both chambers of Congress and the Office of Management and Budget, tasked with monitoring and enforcing budget commitments.

The senator remains in active discussions, with the bill’s floor consideration possibly starting as soon as Friday. He has also engaged with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier this week to discuss the logistics and funding of the panel. Despite these high-level talks, Johnson indicated that verbal assurances alone would not suffice to gain his support. He suggested a shorter-term increase in the debt ceiling as a potential solution to ensure continued fiscal oversight, which the White House has currently rejected.

Johnson’s demand for concrete fiscal enforcement measures reflects broader concerns among GOP senators regarding the bill's impact, particularly its proposed cutbacks in Medicaid, which could adversely affect their states. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is also working to secure support from other fiscal conservatives and address these concerns, with the GOP able to afford only three defections to pass the bill with Vice President JD Vance potentially breaking a tie.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the critical role Johnson and like-minded senators are playing in shaping the final text of the bill. With a potential vote looming and a suggested deadline of July 4 by President Trump and Senator Thune to galvanize efforts, Johnson remains a pivotal figure in ensuring the bill not only passes but does so with measures that secure long-term fiscal health for the nation.

As crunch time approaches, the senator’s firm stance and the administration’s responsive maneuvers underscore the high-stakes nature of the legislative process, with outcomes that could significantly influence the country’s budgetary trajectory and political landscape.