Trump Narrowly Secures Reps Support On Major Bill
President Donald Trump, on Thursday, narrowly secured the support of the House of Representatives in passing his comprehensive tax and spending bill.
Its passage marks a key milestone for Trump’s second-term administration, as the bill now heads to the Senate for what is expected to be a contentious debate.
The bill overcame stiff opposition and was passed by the narrowest margins of 215–214, with only two Republican lawmakers, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio, breaking ranks to vote against it.
As expected, all Democrats opposed the measure, while House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris voted “present”.
The legislation, branded “big, beautiful bill” by Trump, covers his second-term agenda, including permanent extensions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as the elimination of federal taxes on tips and overtime.
It proposes expanded tax deductions for senior citizens and incentives for purchasing American-made vehicles.
It also includes major funding boosts for border security and national defence, including $25bn to launch the “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
Additionally, it will establish new “Trump Savings Accounts” for newborns, as part of efforts to encourage long-term family financial planning. The bill cuts $1.5tr in federal spending, targeting programmes expanded under former U.S. President Joe Biden.
Key provisions of the bill introduce stricter work requirements for Medicaid and food assistance (SNAP), reduce green energy subsidies, and ban federal funding for medical care for transgender adults.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who reportedly brokered several late-night compromises to win over all Republican lawmakers, called the passage “nothing short of historic”.
Reacting to its passage, Trump celebrated in a post on Truth Social, describing the legislation as “arguably the most significant piece of legislation that will ever be signed in the history of our country”.
He praised House Republicans for delivering on promises to secure the border, protect seniors, and provide tax relief to working Americans, and urged the Senate to move swiftly.
However, Democratic lawmakers condemned the bill as fiscally reckless and socially regressive.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the cuts to safety net programmes and accused Republicans of prioritising the wealthy over working families.
The bill’s path through the Senate is less certain. Several Republican senators have already raised concerns about the huge cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, as well as the increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap.
Still, the White House and Republican leadership have expressed confidence they can deliver a final version of the bill to Trump’s desk by July 4.
“This is what the American people voted for,” August Pfluger, representing Texas, told Fox
“And now we’re making it law,” he added.
Trump Narrowly Secures Reps Support On Major Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
