Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Tuesday inclement weather in Washington, D.C., is “part of the problem” House Republicans are grappling with as they look to fast-track their “big, beautiful bill” through the chamber this week.

The House is scheduled to convene at 9 a.m. EDT Wednesday — with a procedural vote shortly after — to kick off the floor process for the GOP’s tax cuts and spending bill, as leaders race to meet their self-imposed July 4 deadline.

Several lawmakers, however, have posted on social media that their flights back to the nation’s capital have been delayed or canceled as severe weather hits Washington, raising questions about attendance for the initial vote. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area until 9 p.m.

Johnson can only afford to lose three Republicans and still clear the procedural hurdle, assuming full attendance and united Democratic opposition, a razor-thin margin that could change because of absences — and help either........

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