“We’ve cussed it. We’ve discussed it. But we’re gradually going from thoughtful, rational deliberation into the foothills of jackassery. I mean, we’re talking about the same thing over and over and over.”

— Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), quoted by Politico, on the Republican megabill.

Politico: “For one, members continue to fight jealously to keep personal priorities in the bill — including parts of a $4 trillion package of tax cuts set to affect virtually the entire U.S. economy. Meanwhile, other lawmakers who have made the megabill into an ideological litmus test on federal spending and budget deficits are facing a put-up-or-shut-up moment after repeatedly drawing red lines and then moving forward with the legislation anyway.”

“Finally, a handful of key lawmakers are facing what could be existential political stakes as they brace for tough re-election contests in next year’s midterms. Many are balking at having to vote on cutbacks to safety-net programs, clean-energy projects and other federal assistance their states and constituents rely on.”

“Together, it’s turned the megabill’s endgame into a high-wire act — and Thune is keeping the pressure on, expecting his members will want to stay on the rope.”

NPR: Here’s what’s in the GOP megabill headed for a vote in the Senate.

Wall Street Journal: “Senators said they were aiming for an initial procedural vote as early as Saturday afternoon, which would let them pass the bill sometime Sunday. Before that, they are aiming to release the final text of the bill and ensure that it can work procedurally in the fast-track process they are using for the party-line legislation.”

“As of Friday evening, Senate Republicans didn’t appear to have enough votes to begin debate.”

Politico: Senate slated to take first vote on megabill Saturday.

Axios: Senate plunges into do-or-die moment on “big, beautiful bill.”

For members: Republicans Push Forward with Deeply Unpopular Bill