Congress Passes Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

WASHINGTON — Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping agenda bill after overnight sessions and last-minute negotiations, delivering a narrow victory to Republicans just ahead of their self-imposed July 4 deadline.

Dubbed by Trump as his “one big, beautiful bill,” the legislation passed the House early Thursday morning in a 218–214 vote, with only two Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania—opposing it. The Senate approved the bill earlier this week by a similarly slim margin after making significant revisions.

The bill advances Trump’s key priorities on taxes, immigration, defense, energy, and the national debt. It now heads to the president’s desk for signing.

The legislation permanently extends income tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and introduces new deductions for tipped and overtime wages, as well as for seniors aged 65 and older. It also repeals green energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and increases funding for the military and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A major provision raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion to avoid a default, while introducing expanded work requirements for Medicaid and food assistance programs. Republicans hailed the bill as a win for the middle class and a check on federal spending.

“After years of failed policies, we stepped up to put Americans first and fulfilled our promises,” said Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas.

Democrats sharply criticized the bill, calling it a tax break for the wealthy at the expense of working-class Americans. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., condemned Republicans for holding debate after 3 a.m., accusing them of forcing the legislation through “under cover of darkness.”

The bill’s path was rocky, with several House Republicans withholding support over concerns about Medicaid cost shifts and spending levels. Closed-door talks and procedural delays nearly derailed the vote before a breakthrough allowed debate and final passage in the early hours Thursday.

Despite internal divisions and fierce opposition, the bill marks one of the most significant legislative victories of Trump’s second term.