James Uche
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have advanced President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill to a decisive vote, signaling a potential breakthrough after intense intra-party negotiations.
In a 219-213 early-morning vote on Thursday, lawmakers cleared the final procedural hurdle required to bring the bill to the floor for debate. The pivotal vote came after a marathon day of behind-the-scenes meetings on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Debate resumed shortly after 3:30 a.m. (0730 GMT), with a final vote anticipated around 5:30 a.m.
The bill represents one of Trump’s key legislative priorities since returning to office in January and has tested the unity of the House GOP, which holds a slim 220-212 majority. With Democrats unified in opposition, Republicans can afford no more than three defections to secure passage.
An earlier procedural vote stretched for seven hours on Wednesday as Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson worked to sway skeptical members. Johnson said the party had a “long, productive day,” and later credited the president’s personal outreach.
“President Trump was on the phone with members into the early hours,” Johnson said after the vote. “His engagement made a critical difference.”
The legislation proposes sweeping tax reductions, particularly for high-income earners and corporations, while also slashing federal spending on key public services. Critics warn the bill would disproportionately harm working-class Americans.
“This bill is catastrophic. It is not policy—it is punishment,” said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) during a heated floor debate. “It hands billions to the wealthy while stripping millions of their healthcare and basic support.”
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that nearly 12 million Americans could lose health insurance if the bill becomes law.
Despite their internal challenges, House Republicans have remained closely aligned with Trump’s agenda. However, if the House makes changes to the bill, it would trigger another round of voting in the Senate—threatening the administration’s goal of signing the bill into law by the July 4 holiday.
