Politics
JUST IN: Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Tax Cuts Clear Key Hurdle
President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax agenda, described by him as “THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL,” overcame a critical procedural roadblock in the House on Wednesday, setting the stage for a battle within the Republican Party over spending cuts and economic priorities.
In a razor-thin 216-215 vote, House Republicans approved a rule that allows formal debate on the budget resolution central to extending Trump-era tax cuts and pushing forward on border, defense, and energy initiatives. The vote marked an early but essential step in the budget reconciliation process—a legislative maneuver that permits passage of major fiscal measures with a simple Senate majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold.
The close vote reflected a fractious GOP conference, as three Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY), Victoria Spartz (R-IN), and Mike Turner (R-OH)—joined all Democrats in opposition. Several GOP lawmakers who allowed the measure to advance have signaled they will not vote for its final passage unless further changes are made.
“I think we can get this job done,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) before the vote according to Fox News. “I understand the holdouts. I mean, their concerns are real. They really want to have true budget cuts and to change the debt trajectory that the country is on.”
At the heart of the disagreement lies a vast gap between the House and Senate versions of the budget blueprint. While the House proposal outlines approximately $1.5 trillion in spending reductions, the Senate’s version calls for only $4 billion—a disparity that has ignited pushback from fiscal conservatives who argue that deeper cuts are necessary to justify extending the Trump tax cuts, which are set to expire later this year according to CBS News.
The House is weighing whether to formally adopt the Senate-passed resolution, which would allow committees to start writing legislation that extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts—legislation that Republicans say will benefit working Americans and energize the economy heading into the 2026 midterms. Trump, for his part, has been aggressive in rallying the party behind the resolution, holding a White House meeting with GOP lawmakers Tuesday and later doubling down during a National Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser.
via Truth Social
The president also took to Truth Social to urge lawmakers to unify behind the legislation: “Republicans, it is more important now, than ever, that we pass THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL. The USA will Soar like never before!!!”
While Trump’s words energized many in the base, some members of the House Freedom Caucus remained skeptical.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) voiced his dissatisfaction during the House Rules Committee hearing, bluntly stating, “The math still doesn’t math. The Senate budget is all tax cuts and no spending cuts… I will not vote for this bill because it is not responsible.”
Despite the tension, Trump remains confident that passage of the full bill will translate into a political windfall. “They will not be able to even touch your seat,” he told lawmakers, predicting Republicans could pick up “40, 50, or even 60” seats if they hold the line on his agenda.
