Trump’s Bold Tax Bill Clears Crucial House Hurdle Amid Chaos and Criticism
Donald Trump’s flagship tax-and-spending bill surged past a major procedural hurdle in the US House of Representatives, bringing it one step closer to becoming law. House Speaker Mike Johnson, laser-focused on fast-tracking the legislation, faced stiff resistance—not just from Democrats, but also from some Republicans unhappy with the bill’s sweeping provisions and ballooning cost.
The chaos spilled into the early hours, with lawmakers finally voting on a critical rule close to 4 a.m. in Washington D.C.. This procedural approval was essential to jumpstart debate on the controversial bill, setting up its potential passage later in the day.
Trump, eager to sign what he calls the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” before the Independence Day holiday, spent most of Wednesday rallying reluctant GOP members through calls and meetings. As momentum stalled, he took to Truth Social, warning:
“What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
Earlier in the day, procedural votes dragged on, with one vote kept open for over seven hours—making it the longest in House history.
The Senate had already greenlit the bill, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote during an intense all-night session packed with amendment proposals. Now, it’s up to the House to approve the Senate’s version—though Speaker Johnson admitted it “went a little further than many of us would have preferred,” particularly with Medicaid changes.
As Johnson approached the chamber, he told reporters:
“We’re in a good place. This is the legislative process as the framers intended.”
Not everyone agreed. Texas Congressman Keith Self slammed the bill for failing to slash spending, eliminate green energy subsidies, and address transgender policy.
“The Senate broke the House framework, then stomped on it. Now House leadership wants to cram this broken bill down our throats,” he raged on X.
Despite the chaos, the House Rules Committee moved the bill forward early Wednesday, prompting lawmakers to scramble back to Capitol Hill.
“You’re watching how the sausage is made,” quipped Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who drove from South Carolina due to storm-related flight delays.
Meanwhile, Texas Rep. Troy Nehls, puffing a cigar, said:
“There’s stuff I don’t like, but scrapping the whole bill over it isn’t good for America.”
The House narrowly passed an initial draft back in May by just one vote—overcoming unanimous Democratic opposition. But many fiscal conservatives remain livid, especially after the Congressional Budget Office estimated the Senate’s version would add a jaw-dropping $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit by 2034.
With Republicans holding only a slim majority, losing even a handful of votes from the far-right, moderates, or blue-state GOP lawmakers could tank the bill. Each group has its own gripes—ranging from spending cuts to social safety net protections and state-specific tax provisions.
Still, Trump hailed the Senate passage as “music to my ears”, calling the bill essential for his second-term agenda. It’s the crown jewel of the GOP’s legislative push, featuring sweeping tax cuts, including breaks for tips, overtime, and car loan interest payments. It also pours billions into his hardline immigration crackdown—including $45 billion for ICE detention, $14 billion for deportations, and hiring 10,000 new agents by 2029.
Over $50 billion is earmarked for border fortifications, likely reviving the controversial Mexico wall.
To appease deficit hawks, the bill imposes strict work requirements for Medicaid enrollees, caps the provider tax used by states, and scraps many of Joe Biden’s green energy incentives.
Democrats, however, are sounding the alarm.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tore into the bill during a floor speech, declaring:
“This bill is a deal with the devil. It militarizes our economy, explodes our debt, and strips away basic dignity—just to give billionaires like Elon Musk a tax break. Shameful!”
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi echoed that fury, blasting the GOP's priorities:
“If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the GOP must have blurry vision. Is it beautiful to cut food for seniors, healthcare for millions, and education—just to pamper billionaires?”
As the debate rages on, all eyes are on the House floor—where the future of Trump’s legacy-defining bill hangs by a thread.
Description:
"Donald Trump's sweeping tax-and-spending bill clears a key procedural hurdle in the U.S. House, setting the stage for a dramatic vote. Packed with tax cuts, immigration funding, and Medicaid changes, the controversial legislation faces fierce opposition from Democrats and some Republicans amid concerns over rising deficits and social program rollbacks."