In a major political victory for President Donald Trump, House Republicans narrowly passed his sweeping $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill on Thursday, cementing a key second-term agenda just ahead of the July Fourth deadline. The vote, 218–214, saw two Republicans join all Democrats in opposition.

Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the 800-plus-page legislation bundles a wide array of conservative priorities — from extending 2017 Trump-era tax cuts to imposing steep reductions in Medicaid and food stamp programs. Despite internal GOP dissent and intense overnight negotiations, Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the passage as a generational win, asserting, “We are going to make this country stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.”

The bill includes new tax deductions for tipped workers and older adults, alongside a $350 billion boost in defense and immigration enforcement, including funding for Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system. However, it also enacts $1.2 trillion in cuts to healthcare and nutrition assistance, requiring new work conditions for some recipients, including parents and seniors.

Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, fiercely opposed the bill. In a record-breaking 8-hour-and-44-minute speech, Jeffries decried the measure as “a crime scene,” criticizing it for stripping aid from vulnerable Americans while benefiting the wealthy. The Tax Policy Center estimates the wealthiest Americans would see nearly $11,000 in annual savings, while the lowest earners would gain just $150.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office warns the bill could increase the national deficit by $3.3 trillion and leave 11.8 million more people without health coverage over the next decade.

Despite the backlash, Trump and GOP leaders view the bill as a defining statement of their return to power and vision for reshaping American governance.

In a major political victory for President Donald Trump, House Republicans narrowly passed his sweeping $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill on Thursday, cementing a key second-term agenda just ahead of the July Fourth deadline. The vote, 218–214, saw two Republicans join all Democrats in opposition.

Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the 800-plus-page legislation bundles a wide array of conservative priorities — from extending 2017 Trump-era tax cuts to imposing steep reductions in Medicaid and food stamp programs. Despite internal GOP dissent and intense overnight negotiations, Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the passage as a generational win, asserting, “We are going to make this country stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.”

The bill includes new tax deductions for tipped workers and older adults, alongside a $350 billion boost in defense and immigration enforcement, including funding for Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system. However, it also enacts $1.2 trillion in cuts to healthcare and nutrition assistance, requiring new work conditions for some recipients, including parents and seniors.

Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, fiercely opposed the bill. In a record-breaking 8-hour-and-44-minute speech, Jeffries decried the measure as “a crime scene,” criticizing it for stripping aid from vulnerable Americans while benefiting the wealthy. The Tax Policy Center estimates the wealthiest Americans would see nearly $11,000 in annual savings, while the lowest earners would gain just $150.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office warns the bill could increase the national deficit by $3.3 trillion and leave 11.8 million more people without health coverage over the next decade.

Despite the backlash, Trump and GOP leaders view the bill as a defining statement of their return to power and vision for reshaping American governance.