Thirteen House Republicans who initially supported Trump’s tax bill are now pleading with the Senate to kill a key provision that threatens clean energy jobs in their districts.
At a Glance
- Thirteen House Republicans request Senate revisions to clean energy provisions in Trump’s bill
- Lawmakers express concern over aggressive phase-down of incentives from the 2022 climate law
- Potential job losses and investment risks cited as reasons for proposed changes
- Elon Musk criticizes the bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination”
- Senate Republicans consider adjustments amid internal party divisions
GOP Pushback Over Clean Energy Cuts
The passage of Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” in the House has ignited an internal Republican dispute over a provision that would gut clean energy tax credits established in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Now, thirteen Republican lawmakers—most from clean energy-heavy districts—are urging the Senate to eliminate that section.
Led by Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), the group sent a letter to Senate leaders expressing alarm over the provision’s economic impact, warning that over $14 billion in renewable energy investments have already been canceled or delayed in 2024. They argue that the aggressive rollback of tax credits would kill jobs and deter new projects critical to their states’ economies.
Some lawmakers now regret their initial vote in favor of the bill and hope the Senate can “restore common sense” before final passage. With more than $4.5 billion in projects canceled just in April, they say the financial hemorrhage is accelerating.
Watch a report: Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Stumbles in Senate as Musk Ramps Up Bid to ‘Kill’ It.
Musk Weighs In, Senate Hesitates
Elon Musk added fuel to the fire by blasting the legislation on social media as a “disgusting abomination,” specifically criticizing the rollback of electric vehicle incentives and warning it could stifle innovation. His high-profile condemnation has galvanized opposition and heightened scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
Despite Musk’s influence, Republican leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson insist the bill remains intact, claiming Musk “has no sway” over the GOP caucus. But his commentary has emboldened both fiscal conservatives and lawmakers from swing districts who fear political backlash if the measure hurts local industries.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are quietly working through possible amendments. Key members of the Senate Finance Committee remain divided on how to proceed, with some pushing to preserve popular clean energy benefits while others prioritize deficit reduction and spending cuts.
SALT Rebellion and Legislative Uncertainty
Adding complexity, Republicans from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey are pressuring leadership to preserve expanded SALT deductions, a politically sensitive issue that threatens further defections. Senate Majority Whip John Thune acknowledged these cross-pressures and signaled openness to modifying the bill to keep the party unified.
The outcome will determine not just the fate of clean energy funding, but also the broader trajectory of the GOP’s economic and environmental policies in an election year. Whether the Senate yields to internal pressure or holds the line on cuts could reshape Republican credibility on both job creation and fiscal discipline.
