Washington, DC [US], July 3 (ANI): The US House of Representatives on Thursday advanced former President Donald Trump’s marquee “Big Beautiful Bill” to a final vote, despite internal party tensions and a dramatic late-night session that saw Trump openly rebuke rebellious Republicans for stalling his legislative priority.
The House voted 219-213 late Wednesday night to move the massive tax cut and spending bill forward for debate, narrowly overcoming procedural hurdles after hours of intense negotiations and delays, CBS News reported. The GOP leadership managed to limit defections to just one, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who voted no.
Trump, visibly frustrated by the resistance within his own party, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, during the proceedings to vent his anger.
“Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” Trump posted, signaling that his patience with dissenters was wearing thin.
Republicans faced a precarious arithmetic: with a slim majority, they could afford no more than three defections if all members were present and voting. At one point early Thursday morning, five House Republicans were counted as “no” votes, enough to potentially derail the rule vote. GOP leaders kept the vote open for an extended period, working the floor to persuade holdouts and secure just enough support to advance the bill.
The legislation — central to Trump’s second-term agenda — includes the largest tax cuts in US history, significant boosts to border security, defense, and energy production spending, while imposing deep cuts on healthcare and nutrition programs to offset costs.
House Republicans had already passed an earlier version of the bill in May, but the Senate’s amendments caused friction, particularly among moderates and members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. The Senate passed its version Tuesday in a razor-thin 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
On Wednesday, Trump held private meetings with key House holdouts at the White House to pressure them into backing the bill. One lawmaker described the discussions as “very productive,” yet Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland told reporters earlier that day he expected the procedural vote to fail.
The final passage of the bill remains uncertain, as dissent lingers among some GOP lawmakers uncomfortable with Senate revisions. Trump has imposed a self-imposed July 4 deadline for the legislation to reach his desk.
House Republican leaders remain determined to deliver what they tout as a transformative bill combining aggressive tax cuts, tougher immigration enforcement, and expanded military and energy investment, in line with Trump’s campaign pledges.
The next House vote on the final passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” is expected later Thursday or Friday. (ANI)
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