House Republicans narrowly advanced former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package early Thursday morning following a dramatic all-night session marked by internal divisions and last-minute lobbying. The 219–213 procedural vote pushes the “One Big Beautiful Bill” closer to final passage, with a decisive floor vote expected later in the day. GOP leaders scrambled for hours to persuade holdouts in their slim 220–212 majority, racing to meet Trump’s demand that the legislation reach his desk by the July 4 deadline.
The bill, which spans over 800 pages, includes about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over ten years, extensions of Trump-era tax breaks, and new provisions such as deductions for tips, overtime pay, and older adult earners. To partially offset the cost, the legislation includes deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, along with a $350 billion boost to defense and immigration enforcement. No Democrats have supported the bill, and Democratic leaders have criticized it sharply for slashing essential safety net programs while primarily benefiting wealthier Americans.
Late-night negotiations stretched for nearly six hours after a roll call began Wednesday evening, with Speaker Mike Johnson and his team holding closed-door talks with hesitant members. Johnson emerged before dawn confident the bill would be signed by Trump on schedule, declaring, “We will meet our July 4th deadline.”
Trump was deeply involved in pushing the bill across the finish line, hosting lawmakers at the White House and personally calling members to urge support. He lashed out at delays in a series of social media posts during the night, warning Republicans that opposing the bill could “COST YOU VOTES!!!” His involvement proved pivotal in convincing skeptical lawmakers, especially as the bill faces criticism from both ideological wings of the party. Moderates voiced concern over Medicaid cuts, while conservatives argued the package strays from fiscal restraint.
The legislation builds on tax policies from Trump’s first term and adds new elements aimed at workers and retirees. The Tax Policy Center estimates that if passed, the average tax break next year would be $150 for the lowest-income households, $1,750 for middle-income earners, and nearly $11,000 for the top income bracket. Critics argue this highlights the bill’s skewed benefits toward wealthier Americans.
Beyond tax cuts, the bill imposes new work requirements for Medicaid recipients and expands them for food stamp beneficiaries. States would also shoulder a larger share of the costs for SNAP, sparking fierce backlash from Democrats. “Hell no!” shouted House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, calling the bill “a brutal attack on America’s most vulnerable.”
Republican leaders contend the reforms are necessary to reduce waste and refocus assistance on those most in need. They argue the tax cuts will stimulate economic growth and that changes to social programs will promote self-sufficiency.
Still, the path to final passage remains narrow. Democrats need to flip just four Republicans to block the bill, and they are targeting vulnerable GOP members from swing districts. Jeffries invoked the late Sen. John McCain’s dramatic vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act, urging moderates to show similar courage.
The pressure from Trump is intense. Sen. Thom Tillis, who expressed opposition last weekend, quickly became a target of Trump’s political operation and soon announced he would not seek re-election. House members who publicly dissent are also facing threats of primary challenges.
Despite the stakes and internal tensions, Republican leaders remain confident they can deliver Trump the legislative win he wants by the Fourth of July. For now, all eyes are on the final vote, which could come within hours.
