House Republicans successfully pushed through President Donald Trump’s ambitious multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts bill in Congress on Thursday, overcoming various obstacles to secure approval of his key second-term policy package ahead of the Fourth of July deadline. The final vote, a close 218-214, saw two Republicans breaking ranks to join all Democrats in opposition. GOP leaders and the president himself worked tirelessly to convince hesitant members to drop their objections. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delayed the voting process for over eight hours with a marathon speech against the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., invoked Trump’s rallying cry of “You get tired of winning yet?” as he called for the vote, expressing confidence in the bill’s potential to strengthen the country. Following the vote, Republicans celebrated with a rendition of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” a song often played at Trump’s rallies. This legislative victory marks a significant achievement for the president and his party, consolidating a range of key GOP priorities into a substantial 900-page bill amidst united Democratic opposition. Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on Friday.
The core of the package focuses on preserving $4.5 trillion in tax breaks implemented during Trump’s first term and introducing new provisions to support workers, including deductions for tips and overtime pay, along with a $6,000 deduction for older adults earning under $75,000 annually. Additionally, a substantial $350 billion investment is allocated to national security, Trump’s deportation initiatives, and the development of the “Golden Dome” defensive system. To compensate for the decrease in tax revenue, the bill includes $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid and food stamps, primarily through the enforcement of new work requirements and a reduction in green energy tax credits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over a decade, leading to 11.8 million more people without health coverage.
In contrast to the unified Republican front, Democrats staunchly opposed the bill, criticizing it as a tax windfall for the wealthy funded at the expense of the working class and most vulnerable members of society, labeling it as “trickle-down cruelty.” Jeffries delivered a marathon speech against what he dubbed Trump’s “big ugly bill,” advocating for a compassionate approach that prioritizes the well-being of Americans. He highlighted the importance of health care programs and emphasized the detrimental impact of the proposed legislation on the safety and welfare of the American people.
During a tense session in Congress, Democrats and Republicans clashed over a controversial bill. Democrats adamantly opposed it, while Republicans faced internal struggles to push it through. The Senate narrowly passed the bill with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. In the House, Republicans celebrated the bill’s passage, despite some dissenting voices like Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick expressing concerns about Medicaid cuts. The political pressure to support the bill was high, as those who opposed it faced warnings from President Trump’s political operation. The bill represented a departure from the policies of previous Democratic administrations, focusing on tax breaks and safety net program adjustments. Democrats warned of dire consequences, while Republicans emphasized economic growth and efficiency in government programs. The bill was projected to provide tax breaks for different income groups, with varying impacts on households.
