Republicans scrambled in the early hours of Thursday as Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill finally approached a floor vote in the US House of Representatives. The legislation cleared a critical procedural step after an overnight standoff, paving the way for its potential passage later today. House Speaker Mike Johnson is determined to push the bill through swiftly, despite internal dissent and unanimous Democratic opposition.
The essential “rule” vote, which had been stalled for hours due to objections from lawmakers, was finally approved near 4:00 AM in Washington D.C., ending a tense overnight session. This prolonged delay was a clear indication of the deep divisions surrounding the bill, particularly from a handful of Republican holdouts who joined Democrats in their objections.
President Donald Trump actively pressured reluctant Republican lawmakers throughout Wednesday, insisting on the bill’s passage by the Independence Day holiday. He used Truth Social to openly warn the holdouts, stating, “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
The bill, already passed by the Senate, faces a challenging path to final passage in the House, where the Republican majority is razor-thin. Fiscal conservatives, such as Texas Congressman Keith Self, have openly criticized the bill for failing to achieve sufficient spending cuts and for its projected $3.3 trillion addition to the federal deficit through 2034. This opposition highlights the difficult balancing act for Speaker Johnson.
Republicans Scramble as Trump’s Tax Bill Approaches House Floor Vote
