What the GOP's megabill promotional plan doesn't mention

Yahoo

6 days ago

National Republicans want their House conference to sell President Donald Trump's megabill during Congress' August recess, rather than duck and let Democrats push a narrative that the bill is a tax cut for the rich.
That advice is memorialized in a five-page memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee, which was obtained by POLITICO.
"The best defense is a good offense," the NRCC memo read. It urged lawmakers to beware of "trackers" who catch members off message, distribute talking points through interviews with local media and not let Democratic activity "distract you from driving your message."
The memo reveals how the party hopes to communicate a potential vulnerability ahead of next year's midterms. In particular, the NRCC wants members to cast the bill's Medicaid cuts — already a top target of Democrats — as an overhaul that will strengthen the program. The organization also highlights polls showing voters support work requirements and removing ineligible recipients from coverage.
'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 NRCC wrote in the memo.
The comprehensive memo from Republicans' campaign arm shows just how crucial the messaging battle will be ahead of 2026, as both parties expect the megabill, recently signed into law, to become one of the top issues of the cycle.
Republicans want to avoid letting Democrats control the message around the bill, especially given that midterms historically favor the party that is out of power — and rule of the House could be decided by just a few seats. By equipping the conference with ample talking points, the NRCC is hoping members can stave off the onslaught of attacks from Democrats.
The memo relays a few areas the NRCC wants members to focus on, including getting ahead of the attacks that Democrats have already started waging about the bill.
'We can't let them control the narrative,' the NRCC said of Democrats.
In warning GOP members not to fall for Democratic 'trackers,' or political operatives who will try to get them to say damaging info, while they are back home, the NRCC advised, 'They are not reporters or constituents; you do not owe them a response.'
In addition to Medicaid, the NRCC urged its members to highlight tax relief, immigration, business reforms and 'holding elites accountable.'
On Monday, Vice President JD Vance offered an example for Republican legislators, calling out Ohio Democratic lawmakers by name during a rally in the state.
'You know why she's not here today?' Vance said of Rep. Emilia Sykes. 'Because she's not celebrating no taxes on tips, she's not celebrating no taxes overtime, she's not celebrating the highest rising take home pay in 60 years, because she fought us every step of the way on the big beautiful bill.'
And the NRCC suggested its members hold roundtables and visit hospitals, restaurants and small businesses to highlight specific provisions of the bill. It advises holding in-person interviews with local media outlets.
The memo, however, did not address whether to hold town halls, something that became a hot-button issue the last time lawmakers went home for an extended period.
Democrats — armed with their own talking points — are already planning rallies in red districts across the country as they begin to realize their own messaging plans. They hope to paint the bill as a tax cut for the wealthy at the expense of Americans who use programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
'The Big, Ugly Law is a political disaster,' Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Viet Shelton said in a statement. '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. 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.'
Last week, NRCC chair Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) told reporters he would 'love for [Democrats] to come to my district,' but cautioned members of Democrats infiltrating in-person town halls.
'Democrats are still pretty determined to hijack our town halls and try to prevent us from having this conversation with our constituents, so I would encourage them to use other means,' Hudson said last week.
Still, there is a note of caution to members not to let the opposing party set the agenda.
'Seek to drown out Democrats' efforts to knock you off message with a disciplined and compelling communications effort of your own,' the memo advised.