WASHINGTON DC: In a major legislative win for Donald Trump, the U.S. Congress has passed a broad tax and spending bill that fulfills a key part of his domestic agenda.
The House of Representatives narrowly approved the bill on Thursday with a 218–214 vote, following a razor-thin Senate passage earlier in the week.
Trump had urged Congress to deliver the bill before July 4, and he is expected to sign it into law during a national holiday ceremony at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
The Congressional Budget Office warns the legislation could increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade and strip millions of Americans of health coverage—a projection the White House strongly rejects.
Speaking to the press, Trump described the bill as a launchpad for national growth, saying it would make the U.S. economy “a rocket ship.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the outcome, crediting “belief” in his colleagues for securing Republican support. Among those swayed was Texas Representative Chip Roy, who had previously criticized the Senate version as a “travesty” but ultimately backed the bill without any House revisions.
Only two Republicans—Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick—voted against it. After the bill passed, Republican lawmakers celebrated with chants of “USA! USA!” on the House floor.
Passage of the bill was delayed by Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who delivered a record-breaking 8-hour, 45-minute speech to protest the measure, particularly its impact on low-income Americans.
Jeffries used the “magic minute” rule, which allows party leaders unlimited speaking time, vowing to speak “on behalf of the American people.”
(Inputs from BBC)
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