Senate Republicans are gearing up for a crucial initial vote, scheduled for noon on Saturday, to deliberate on a sprawling legislative package known as the megabill. This decision was confirmed during a private lunch on Friday, with Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) sharing the details post-meeting. An anonymous source reiterated the planned schedule but mentioned that the timing has yet to be finalized.

The lunch did not see Senate Majority Leader John Thune assure the attendees of sufficient votes to advance the bill. With several senators expressing hesitation due to concerns over Medicaid provisions and the impact on the federal deficit, the vote's outcome remains uncertain. "We'll find out tomorrow," Thune stated, reflecting the prevailing uncertainty.

Adding to the legislative drama, House Speaker Mike Johnson took the opportunity to advocate for the acceptance of a tentative deal on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions during the meeting. According to insiders, Johnson described the deal as the best Republicans could hope for under the circumstances. However, dissent remains, highlighted by New York Republican Nick LaLota's absence from the agreement, casting a shadow over the deal's acceptance.

Johnson remained optimistic when questioned about the Senate's reception of the SALT deal. "They're going to digest the final calculations, but I think we're very, very close to closing that issue,” he commented confidently. In the detailed discussions, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alongside Johnson, outlined the proposed SALT adjustments, which include a temporary increase of the SALT cap to $40,000 for five years, eventually reverting to the current $10,000 cap.

Other significant discussions in the meeting included maintaining the Senate’s provider tax proposal with a delayed implementation to adhere to budgetary constraints. Furthermore, Johnson hinted at the possibility of another reconciliation bill, signaling additional negotiations and potential adjustments to the megabill in the future.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voiced her ongoing concerns regarding potential changes to food aid language in the bill. The proposed SNAP cost-share provision could impose significant financial burdens on states like Alaska, known for their high payment error rates in food aid distribution.

As the Senate inches closer to the vote, the stakes are high with internal party dynamics and critical negotiations shaping the path forward for the megabill. The outcome of Saturday's vote will be a key indicator of the bill's viability and the broader legislative agenda's direction.