A day before the United States celebrates its Independence Day, former President Donald Trump scored a significant political victory as Congress narrowly passed his sweeping tax and spending bill. The legislation, central to his second-term agenda, includes expanded funding for military operations, immigration enforcement, and tax relief extensions — while drawing fierce criticism over its impact on health and welfare programs.
The bill passed the House of Representatives on Thursday by a razor-thin margin of 218–214, following days of intense negotiations and partisan brinkmanship. With this final hurdle cleared, the legislation is set to be signed into law by Trump on July 4, during what the White House has dubbed a “big, beautiful signing” ceremony.
“One of the most consequential Bills ever. The USA is the ‘HOTTEST’ Country in the World, by far!!!” Trump declared on his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly after the vote.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the President’s signing plans in a press call, emphasizing the bill’s historic nature and its alignment with Trump’s long-standing policy goals.
The bill marks a consolidation of Trump’s influence over the Republican Party. Despite internal divisions and significant concerns over the bill’s long-term fiscal impact — including projections that it will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade — GOP leaders succeeded in rallying dissenters behind the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson worked late into the night ahead of the vote, pushing to unify Republicans under what he called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The legislative process was further delayed by Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who took to the House floor for nearly nine hours to protest the bill. Calling it “a disgusting abomination,” Jeffries said, “This reckless Republican budget is not about improving the quality of life of the American people.”
A Massive, Polarizing Package
The 869-page bill delivers on several of Trump’s campaign promises: it commits $4.5 trillion to extend tax cuts from his first term, boosts defense spending, and allocates billions toward a large-scale migrant deportation initiative. However, critics say these priorities come at a steep cost.
To help fund the expanded military and border budgets, the bill slashes federal food assistance and Medicaid, the government-run health insurance program for low-income Americans. Analysts estimate that as many as 17 million people could lose health coverage as a result, while dozens of rural hospitals may be forced to shut down due to funding shortfalls.
The legislation also rolls back clean energy subsidies and electric vehicle incentives, triggering a high-profile clash between Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk — once a vocal supporter, now a critic.
A Divided GOP, an Energized Opposition
While hardline conservatives expressed disappointment that the bill didn’t cut deeper, moderate Republicans feared the steep reductions to social programs would alienate voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump personally lobbied lawmakers in recent weeks, reportedly making direct calls and hosting meetings at the White House to secure support.
Democrats, meanwhile, see the bill as a potential turning point. They hope that widespread opposition to the legislation’s redistributive effects — which many argue favor the wealthy at the expense of the poor — could help them regain control of the House.
“The President may celebrate this as a victory, but for millions of Americans, it’s a gut punch,” Jeffries said, concluding his marathon speech. “This is not leadership. It’s cruelty disguised as policy.”
The bill had passed the Senate earlier this week and was returned to the House for final approval of revisions.
With the signing ceremony set for Independence Day, Trump is expected to highlight the bill as a foundational step toward what he has dubbed “America’s New Golden Age.”
