Donald Trump’s self-proclaimed “one big beautiful bill act” is now facing final scrutiny in the US House of Representatives, after clearing a crucial procedural step in the early hours of Thursday. The comprehensive tax and spending legislation is a top priority for the former President, and House Speaker Mike Johnson is determined to push it through despite significant opposition to its cost and contentious provisions.
The necessary “rule” vote, which had stalled for hours due to objections from lawmakers, was finally approved near 4:00 AM in Washington D.C., ending an overnight legislative standoff. This prolonged delay was a clear indication of the deep divisions surrounding the bill, particularly from a handful of Republican holdouts who joined Democrats in their objections.
President Donald Trump actively pressured reluctant Republican lawmakers throughout Wednesday, insisting on the bill’s passage by the Independence Day holiday. He used Truth Social to openly warn the holdouts, stating, “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
The bill, already passed by the Senate, faces a challenging path to final passage in the House, where the Republican majority is razor-thin. Fiscal conservatives, such as Texas Congressman Keith Self, have openly criticized the bill for failing to achieve sufficient spending cuts and for its projected $3.3 trillion addition to the federal deficit through 2034. Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi, have vociferously condemned the bill for its tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to social programs.
