Cracks within the Republican party were evident as Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending bill narrowly squeezed through a key procedural vote in the US House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for the legislation’s rapid passage, but he faced unexpected resistance from a handful of GOP lawmakers, in addition to unanimous Democratic opposition, largely due to concerns over the bill’s cost and controversial provisions.
The crucial “rule” vote, necessary to begin floor debate on the measure, was finally approved at approximately 4:00 AM in Washington D.C., following hours of delay caused by dissenting votes. This late-night approval highlights the Speaker’s determination to advance the bill despite the internal divisions, setting the stage for a potential final vote later in the day.
President Donald Trump exerted significant pressure on reluctant Republican lawmakers throughout Wednesday, holding numerous meetings and phone calls. He also publicly chastised them on Truth Social, declaring, “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” His direct intervention underscores the bill’s importance to his political agenda.
The bill, already passed by the Senate, faces a precarious path in the House due to the GOP’s slim majority. Fiscal conservatives, such as Texas Congressman Keith Self, expressed strong disapproval, stating the Senate “stomped all over” the House’s original framework. Furthermore, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add a staggering $3.3 trillion to the US budget deficit by 2034, fueling further opposition.
