The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and fiscal legislation, marking a major political win for the Republican leader during his second term in office. The bill passed by a slim margin of 218 votes to 214, just ahead of the self-imposed July 4 deadline set by the president.
Described by Trump as the “big, beautiful bill,” the legislation includes broad tax cuts, enhanced border security measures, and significant reductions in social spending. Despite internal dissent and intense negotiations, House Republicans ultimately rallied behind the president, with only two GOP members—Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania—breaking ranks to vote alongside all Democrats against the bill.
The House vote follows Senate approval of the bill by a similarly narrow 51–50 margin.
Republicans Claim Turning Point for the Nation
The legislation permanently extends increased tax credits for middle-income families and expands benefits for corporations and wealthier households, including lower tax rates and cuts to inheritance taxes and contributions. It also introduces new temporary reliefs such as deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, and support for senior citizens. Another key element that helped secure Republican support from Democratic-led states was raising the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions to at least $40,000 for the next five years.
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson holds a final vote tally note ahead of signing U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Democrats Slam the Bill as Harmful to Ordinary Americans
Democrats remained firmly opposed throughout the legislative process, arguing the bill disproportionately benefits the wealthy at the expense of low-income Americans. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delivered a marathon speech that broke House records, reading testimonies from voters in Republican districts affected by the bill’s measures.
“How can you celebrate passing a bill that undermines the quality of life for everyday Americans?” he asked. Jeffries began his remarks at 4:53 a.m. and concluded at 1:37 p.m., eclipsing the previous speech-length record held by Republican Kevin McCarthy of California. His extended address was met with chants of “Hakeem! Hakeem!” from fellow Democrats.
U.S. House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-MI) speaks after the U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax bill passes, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Republicans, however, grew increasingly impatient. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana said that the sooner Democrats stop talking, the sooner the bill can be passed for the American people.
With this legislative milestone, Trump solidifies his influence over the GOP and delivers on a key policy promise, further energizing his agenda heading into the latter half of his presidency.
