In-town pool report #3

Following a meeting with the president, Senators John Thune, John Barrasso and Mike Crapo came to the stakeout area. They carried neither surprises nor news of any breakthroughs. Thune called it “a very positive discussion about the path forward,” adding that everybody is moving “in the same direction” and agrees “failure is not an option.” Barrasso said they exited the meeting “committed to a safe and prosperous America and that’s what this bill is about.” He said they told the president that “the American people trust Republicans more than Democrats” on the economy. Crapo called it “a very robust and healthy discussion” and contended “we have very strong unity.” He said any suggestion that the bill will increase deficits is “absolutely wrong.”

On questions: Thune said “SALT always comes up.” He indicated senators from low-tax states are much less interested in the issue than some House members. He said there is “a lot of passion” on the issue and “we’ll work it out” because they have to have the votes in both chambers. But he called the SALT changes in the 2017 bill “one of the best reforms we had.” Asked about Elon Musk’s opposition, he said, “I couldn’t speak to his reactions.” To Musk’s contention that the bill will increase the deficit, he said, “We believe the opposite.” He said they reject Musk’s advice to kill the bill. “We’re a long ways down the track… We are moving forward.” He said rescissions were only “touched upon” in the meeting.