Republicans ‘seem to understand’ they could lose House in 2026: Sarah Bedford

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) said Wednesday it is unlikely a second reconciliation bill will get through Congress this year, an admission that Washington Examiner investigations editor Sarah Bedford said showed Republicans “seem to understand” as they could lose control of the House after the 2026 midterm elections.

Appearing on the Hugh Hewitt Show Wednesday, Bedford said President Donald Trump would have to throw his weight behind House Republicans if they are to move meaningfully toward a new reconciliation bill.

“I think it will ultimately depend on whether the White House ends up backing this move, and Trump and the White House officials have played their cards pretty close to the vest on whether this is something they’re interested in,” Bedford said.