Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, featuring significant provisions for Medicaid cuts and border fortifications, has advanced a step in the US House of Representatives. A critical procedural vote passed in the early hours of Thursday, paving the way for potential final passage. House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for its swift approval despite fierce opposition to its controversial elements and overall cost.
The “rule” vote, essential for beginning debate on the controversial measure, was finally approved at approximately 4:00 AM in Washington D.C., after hours of delay caused by dissenting lawmakers. This late-night legislative drama underscores the contentious nature of the bill, which includes $45 billion for ICE detention facilities and over $50 billion for border fortifications, likely including a wall.
President Donald Trump intensified his pressure on reluctant Republican lawmakers throughout Wednesday, publicly and privately demanding immediate action. His message on Truth Social was unequivocal: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” He seeks the bill’s enactment by Friday.
The bill, already passed by the Senate, faces a challenging final vote in the House. Congressman Keith Self, a conservative, criticized the Senate’s changes to the bill, particularly its failure to curb green energy incentives or address transgender rights. Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi have condemned the bill as a “deal with the devil” that benefits the wealthy at the expense of healthcare and other social programs for low-income Americans.