The Trump tax bill debate has stalled on Capitol Hill as deep divisions persist within the Republican Party. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending legislation—officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—moved one step closer to a vote after passing the House Budget Committee by a slim 17-16 margin.
Four Republican lawmakers voted “present,” withholding full support. They argued the bill’s proposed spending cuts were not aggressive enough to reduce the national debt, which has reached $36 trillion.
At the heart of the Trump tax bill debate is how much to cut. The bill proposes $4.9 trillion in tax breaks, partially offset by reductions in Medicaid and green energy tax credits introduced under the Biden administration. Conservatives like Texas Representative Chip Roy argue the bill falls short of the fiscal responsibility it promises.
Medicaid remains the most contentious issue. The bill calls for work requirements for able-bodied recipients starting in 2029. Roy and allies demand these start immediately. They also want undocumented immigrants blocked from receiving Medicaid and green energy incentives removed. Others, like Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, oppose any Medicaid cuts, warning the move would hurt millions of low-income families.
Another challenge in the Trump tax bill debate is the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. The bill proposes raising the cap from $10,000 to $30,000 for couples. Lawmakers from high-tax states such as New York and California say that is not enough. They are pushing for a $62,000 cap for individuals and double for joint filers. GOP leadership has floated a compromise of $40,000 and $80,000, respectively.
Food assistance reforms are also fueling the Trump tax bill debate. Republicans aim to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by shifting 5% of benefit costs to states. They also want to expand work requirements up to age 64. Democrats strongly oppose the plan, calling it a threat to food security for millions.
As Republicans try to unify around the legislation, internal resistance shows no sign of fading.
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