In a major development on Capitol Hill, Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill cleared a crucial hurdle in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers voted early Thursday morning to advance the sweeping $3.3 trillion legislation. This move comes after intense behind-the-scenes negotiations and high political drama.
The vote on the procedural rules passed narrowly, 219 to 213. Only Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., broke ranks with Republicans, standing as the lone defector. This rule vote sets up a full House vote, expected later Thursday. Tensions had been rising since Wednesday, when a group of conservative Republicans threatened to block the bill entirely.
The conservative House Freedom Caucus, joined by some allies, initially refused to back the rule. Some members even planned to skip the vote in protest. However, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, and President Donald Trump worked hard to shift the tide.
Trump personally urged Republicans to support the measure, framing it as a victory for all Americans. He emphasized that Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill delivers lower taxes, stronger borders, and more take-home pay.
The bill still faces hurdles. Democrats can use procedural tactics to delay the final vote. Moreover, both moderates and conservatives have expressed concerns about specific provisions.
The Senate already passed a modified version of the bill earlier this week. That version included changes to Medicaid cost-sharing, tax adjustments, and a $5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling. Many conservatives balked at the added deficit burden. Others were upset about the Senate watering down House-approved cuts.
Speaker Johnson acknowledged his dissatisfaction with the Senate’s changes. Still, he urged House members to move forward. “This is part of the process,” he said, “but we’re focused on delivering results.”
Among other provisions, the bill includes a rollback of green energy tax credits. It also makes Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent and adds deductions for tipped and overtime wages. Seniors over 65 would gain a new tax break as well.
Funding for the border wall tops $46 billion, while ICE would receive a large budget boost. Medicaid and food assistance programs would face stricter work requirements.
Democrats sharply criticized the bill. They claim it favors the wealthy and shifts burdens onto working-class Americans. Still, with thin GOP majorities in both chambers, the pressure remains high.
Trump posted on Truth Social urging Republicans to unite. He framed Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. “We can get this done before July 4,” he wrote. “The American People need and deserve this.”
If passed, the legislation will mark one of Trump’s most sweeping policy victories since leaving office. The next few hours in Congress will determine whether that victory becomes reality.
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