The House of Representatives hit a major roadblock Wednesday night in its push to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” despite a full day of frantic negotiations and high-stakes lobbying.
Following the longest vote in House history — a procedural vote that stretched over six hours — a second vote to advance the legislation also faltered. After more than three hours, that vote remained open, with 217 lawmakers, including five Republicans, voting against the rule required to move the bill forward.
Those GOP holdouts were Reps. Andrew Clyde (GA), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Victoria Spartz (IN), Keith Self (TX), and Thomas Massie (KY), who flipped his vote from yes to no during the vote.
Meanwhile, eight Republican members had yet to vote: Reps. Josh Brecheen (OK), Tim Burchett (TN), Eric Burlison (MO), Michael Cloud (TX), Mark Harris (TN), Bob Onder (MO), Scott Perry (PA), and Chip Roy (TX). With 207 Republicans already voting yes, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) would need every remaining vote — and then some flipped — to secure passage.
A Chaotic Day on Capitol Hill
Wednesday’s drama began with a simple procedural fix that turned into a marathon, record-breaking vote. Lawmakers delayed a decision for hours as Republicans filtered back to Washington following weather-related travel disruptions. As the vote dragged on, key GOP members huddled in private meetings with leadership and Trump administration officials.
Among those lobbying undecided Republicans were OMB Director Russ Vought, Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, and Legislative Affairs Director James Braid. At the same time, other GOP groups met directly with Trump at the White House.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), speaking after a meeting with House holdouts, said members had received new information that helped shift opinions on the Senate-passed version of the bill. “A lot of information we didn’t know,” he said. “I think anybody in here would say the same.”
Those efforts were enough to advance to the rule vote — but not enough, at least yet, to pass it.
The Stakes: Final Passage and a July 4 Victory
If the rule vote succeeds, the House will move into an hour of debate before House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) delivers a “magic minute” speech — technically one minute, but unlimited in duration. Jeffries reportedly plans to speak for an hour, though that could change if the process extends into Thursday.
A drawn-out floor speech could delay final passage and derail Trump’s long-anticipated July 4 bill signing ceremony. Jeffries could use the opportunity to boost his standing with Democrats skeptical of his leadership — and block Trump’s symbolic Independence Day win.
The longer the delay, the greater the risk that Trump’s carefully assembled coalition of GOP support begins to unravel.
Trump Ramps Up Pressure
As the vote dragged into the early hours of Thursday, Trump took to Truth Social to blast the holdouts:
“Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”
He followed up with:
“FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!”
Trump’s message is clear: Pass the bill — or pay the price. With the clock ticking, the future of his landmark legislation — and his Fourth of July victory lap — hangs in the balance.
