'Touch very lightly': Top House Republican sends Senate allies a warning

Lisa McClain, the House Republican conference chair, warned her Senate allies on Wednesday to keep their paws off much of President Donald Trump's megabill.

The House passed the sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" that advances much of Trump’s agenda, including major changes to taxes, federal safety net programs, border security, and more.

On Wednesday, McClain (R-MI) told Axios her Senate colleagues — who have indicated they plan to make changes — need to "touch very lightly."

"Change it 10%, but I think 30% is a lot," McClain told the outlet in response to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) mulling changing up to 40% of the bill's text.

"I realize the Senate has to put their fingerprints on it," she said. "Touch very lightly."

Her warning shot comes after Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-ID) indicated he planned to reduce the $40,000 SALT cap and permanently enshrine business tax cuts.

Significant changes would force House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to iron out their differences in conference next month.

McClain told Axios she doesn't believe there's a "huge appetite" to go to conference due to the timing.

"I happen to believe them when they say that," she said.