'Can't let them control the narrative': GOP scrambles to sell unpopular law during recess

29 July

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) takes questions from reporters at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 23, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

House Republicans are hoping to get ahead of voter anger over President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" during Congress' month-long recess this summer — before Democrats can get their argument against it to stick.

That's according to a Tuesday article in Politico, which reported that the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the main elections arm of the House GOP, is now giving members instructions in a new memo with suggested "talking points" about Trump's sweeping new tax and spending law. The NRCC is aiming to have Republican mount a strong defense of the bill in their home districts, arguing that "the best defense is a good offense."

"With the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law by President Trump just a few weeks ago, this is a critical opportunity to continue to define how this legislation will help every voter and push back on Democrat fearmongering," the memo read.

One chief concern for Republicans is Americans' perception of the more than $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts in the law, which are spread out over the next 10 years. The NRCC is urging House Republicans to instead frame the Medicaid cuts as an "overhaul" to "strengthen" the program that provides health insurance to low-income and disabled Americans. The NRCC didn't tell members to avoid having town halls, but it did caution members that Democrats may attempt to "hijack" meetings.

"We can’t let them control the narrative," the NRCC memo read, referring to Democratic candidates.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which is the Democratic-run counterpart to the NRCC, is already hard at work assailing the law in competitive House districts ahead of next year's midterms. DCCC spokesperson Viet Shelton called the legislation "a political disaster."

“The American people know it’s a giveaway to billionaires that’s paid for by ripping away health care from millions and jacking up folks’ energy costs," Shelton stated. "Everyone hates it and vulnerable House Republicans know it, which is why they’re scared to face their constituents in person during the August recess.”

Click here to read Politico's full report.

From Your Site Articles