The US House of Representatives approved President Donald Trump’s sweeping $3.4 trillion tax and spending package, overcoming unified Democratic opposition. The bill’s passage marks a significant legislative victory for the Trump administration, which has now secured one of its biggest policy achievements just six months into Trump’s second term.
Dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump, the legislation passed largely along party lines in the Republican-controlled House after nearly nine hours of debate. It now heads to the president’s desk for his signature. Republicans hailed the measure as a pro-growth initiative that delivers tax relief across income levels, increases military funding, and makes bold fiscal changes aimed at boosting the economy. It includes substantial tax cuts, expanded defense spending, and deep reductions to social safety-net programs including Medicaid and food assistance. “Every American is going to benefit,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “With one big, beautiful bill, we are going to make this country stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.”
Democrats warn of long-term impact
Democrats, however, voiced opposition, criticising the bill as an attack on working-class Americans and a giveaway to the wealthy. They argued the legislation would widen inequality and add trillions to the national debt. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a marathon speech in protest, setting a modern record for the longest floor speech in U.S. House history. Starting at 4:53 a.m. ET, Jeffries spoke for 8 hours and 46 minutes, using the “magic minute” rule to share stories of Americans potentially impacted by the bill’s Medicaid cuts and other provisions
Republican holdouts relent
In the early morning hours, a group of GOP holdouts dropped their objections, allowing the legislation to proceed to a final vote. Their reversal helped ensure the bill’s passage, demonstrating the party’s unified push to advance its agenda while in full control of the White House, Senate, and House. “This is a moment that reminds the world why the American experiment endures,” said Speaker Johnson ahead of the vote. “We will not waste this historic opportunity.”