In one of the most intense legislative sessions in recent years, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed President Donald Trump's "Big and Beautiful Bill" on Thursday, a fiscal and budgetary plan. The vote, ending with 218 in favor and 214 against, highlights the deep political division within Congress and across the nation, echoing the tight vote earlier in the Senate on Tuesday.
This bill, a cornerstone of Trump's economic agenda, not only extends the tax cuts from his first administration (2017-2021) but also enacts severe reductions in social programs like Medicaid. It removes incentives for clean energy while significantly boosting funding for border security and defense. Despite internal divisions within the Republican Party, Trump's relentless pressure, including last-minute phone calls, proved decisive.
Initial Reactions
Among the first to react was former President Joe Biden, who criticized the bill as both reckless and cruel. "The Republican budget bill drastically cuts Medicaid, stripping millions of Americans of healthcare," Biden wrote on X. "It closes rural hospitals and cuts food assistance for veterans and seniors. It raises energy bills and could lead to deep cuts in Medicare, all while increasing the deficit by $4 trillion to give a massive tax break to billionaires. Workers deserve better," he added.
Conversely, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar hailed it as a "historic victory." "The House just approved the Big and Beautiful Bill. This is a win for every American who works hard and believes in the American Dream. Tax relief for working families, tips and overtime protected! More money in your pocket, more jobs, more growth, more freedom. Today we won. And this is just the beginning!" she proclaimed on X.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, echoed this enthusiasm, stating that Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill" fulfills the sensible agenda voted for by nearly 80 million Americans. Leavitt highlighted "the largest middle-class tax cut in history, permanent border security, massive military funding, and the restoration of fiscal sanity." She added, "The pro-growth policies of this historic legislation will spur unprecedented economic boom. President Trump looks forward to enacting the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' to officially usher in America's Golden Age."
The Cost of Republican Success
The Republican majority in the House (220-212) could barely afford to lose more than three votes. However, the bill faced internal resistance. Republican legislators expressed dissatisfaction over the projected increase in the fiscal deficit—estimated at $3.3 trillion over a decade—and the social cuts introduced in the Senate version.
After intense overnight negotiations, the necessary support was secured without significantly altering the nearly 900-page text. In return, Trump promised to use executive orders to benefit specific districts represented by hesitant lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed total confidence ahead of the vote, stating, "We are ready to deliver on our promise to the American people," assured that the votes were secured.
Democratic Resistance: Jeffries' Stand
In an unprecedented move, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries took the floor for 8 hours and 44 minutes, setting a historical record in the House of Representatives. His goal was to delay the bill's passage and highlight the millions affected by its measures. Jeffries denounced the bill as regressive, stating, "Mr. President, you are taking healthcare away from millions of Americans. You are taking food from children, veterans, and seniors... And for what? To give massive tax breaks to billionaires across the country. We are better than this."
During his marathon speech, reminiscent of historic figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., Jeffries described the process as a "crime scene," accusing Republicans of forcing through a plan he deemed a "repugnant abomination." Using the "magic minute," Jeffries read voters' testimonials, reiterating his opposition to a law he argued threatens the health, safety, and wellbeing of the American people.
Social and Political Consequences
Trump's fiscal plan, branded as his "Big and Beautiful Bill," threatens to leave 12 million people without medical coverage by restricting access to Medicaid. It also introduces $1.1 trillion in cuts to social and food programs, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
This mega-project has also been a source of tension between Trump and influential figures like Elon Musk, reflecting its divisive nature even among his allies. Nonetheless, the legislative victory bolsters Trump's image as a president who, despite resistance, continues to shape American politics with a firm hand. In response to Jeffries' speech, Republican leader Mike Johnson sarcastically remarked, "It takes much longer to build a lie than to tell the simple truth," thus downplaying the impact of the Democrat's oratory marathon.
A Fiscal Legacy for Independence Day
The plan's approval marks a legislative milestone for Trump, who had set the symbolic date of Independence Day for signing his new comprehensive tax reform. With this victory, the president consolidates his control over Congress, reinforces his agenda of reducing government size, and sends a clear message of ideological continuity from his first term. Now, with the House aligned and the Senate having already approved the text, only Trump's signature is required for the bill to become law.
Key Questions About Trump's "Big and Beautiful Bill"
What is the primary focus of Trump's "Big and Beautiful Bill"?
The bill primarily focuses on extending tax cuts from Trump's first administration, reducing social program funding, removing clean energy incentives, and increasing budgets for border security and defense.
How did Democrats react to the bill's passage?
Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, strongly opposed the bill, citing its regressive nature and potential negative impacts on healthcare and social services for millions of Americans.
What are the projected fiscal impacts of the bill?
The bill is projected to increase the fiscal deficit by $3.3 trillion over a decade while implementing $1.1 trillion in cuts to social and food programs.