President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending legislation, a central pillar of his second-term agenda, is inching closer to final passage after the House narrowly approved a procedural step late Tuesday. The bill, which includes major tax cuts, Medicaid reductions, and border security provisions, faces ongoing resistance within the Republican Party, particularly from members of the House Freedom Caucus.
The House voted 219-213 to move forward on the legislation, setting up a final vote that could send the bill to Trump’s desk by the self-imposed July 4 deadline. Despite this momentum, internal GOP disagreements over the Senate’s amendments, particularly a projected $3.3 trillion increase to the national debt over the next decade, continue to stall final passage.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The legislation includes:
- Elimination of federal taxes on tips and overtime pay.
- Cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.
- Expanded border security measures.
- A $50 billion hospital fund, added during Senate negotiations.
A Contentious Legislative Process
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) characterized the day as “long and productive,” underscoring the difficulty of securing votes in a divided Republican conference. “This is exactly how the framers intended it to work,” he said of the legislative back-and-forth.
President Trump, who has been largely absent from the public eye, held a series of private meetings at the White House on July 2 with skeptical lawmakers, including Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), in an effort to secure support. Vice President JD Vance and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz also attended.
The Senate narrowly passed its version of the bill on July 1 by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after three Republicans voted no. The House must now approve the Senate version without amendments, or risk further delays.
Freedom Caucus Pushes Back
The ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus has been vocal in its opposition to the Senate’s version, citing concerns over the increased deficit and perceived carveouts for states like Alaska and Hawaii. Chair Andy Harris (R-Md.) and other members, including Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and Ralph Norman, have called for a return to the House-passed version, which adds a smaller $2.4 trillion to the national debt.
Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) explained his no vote by citing a moral and fiscal responsibility to reduce the national debt. “Abiding by our word is the only thing we have,” he wrote.
Trump’s Influence and Deadlines
Trump has made it clear he wants the bill passed by July 4. In a Truth Social post, he lashed out at House Republicans who are holding out, writing, “FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!” He continues to press the importance of the bill for the U.S. economy, claiming it will spur growth and outperform competitors.
Still, despite the pressure, the procedural vote has been held open for hours at a time, as Republican leaders scramble to win over dissenters. Some GOP lawmakers have reportedly changed their minds after meetings with the president, but a small group remains opposed.
Opposition Beyond Capitol Hill
Elon Musk, Trump’s former adviser and a major GOP donor, has emerged as a prominent critic. Musk warned he would fund primary challengers against Republicans who vote for the bill, accusing them of betraying their campaign promises to cut government spending. “They will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk declared.
Democrats Voice Objections
Democrats, though unable to block the bill procedurally, have raised strong objections. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus sought to protect Medicaid and SNAP funding through unanimous consent requests — all of which were blocked. “This is going to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest votes in each and every one of our careers,” said Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.).
What’s Next?
The House remains in session, with votes continuing into the early morning hours. Speaker Johnson is holding the floor open in hopes of flipping enough Republican votes to pass the rule and move to final consideration. The fate of the bill hinges on whether GOP leaders can resolve intraparty disagreements before the July 4 deadline.
As Rep. Ralph Norman put it: “There won’t be any vote until we can get satisfied. There’s about 25 of us.”
For now, the clock ticks on Trump’s biggest legislative gamble of his second term — a bill that could reshape tax policy, federal spending, and the political landscape heading into the next election cycle.
