President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending proposal—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—cleared the House of Representatives Thursday afternoon by a razor-thin margin, despite two Republican defections and unified Democratic opposition.
The final tally: 218–214, with every Democrat voting against the bill and two GOP lawmakers breaking ranks.
Why It Matters
The vote caps weeks of intense negotiations and intraparty friction within the GOP, as Trump’s top legislative priority—a package that cements his earlier tax cuts, ramps up immigration enforcement, and slashes funding for social programs—teetered on the edge of collapse.
The bill’s tax provisions heavily benefit high-income earners, while deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance (SNAP) are expected to have sweeping consequences for low-income Americans. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will leave 11.8 million more people uninsured by 2034 and add $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
What to Know
The House initially passed a version of the bill in May, but major changes by the Senate—including deeper social program cuts—required a second vote. While Speaker Mike Johnson and others voiced dissatisfaction with the final version, most Republicans ultimately fell in line.
Two Republicans voted no:
- Rep. Thomas Massie (KY) opposed the bill over deficit concerns.
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA) objected to cuts to Medicaid, citing promises made to constituents.
Others shifted positions or returned to vote:
- Rep. Warren Davidson (OH), a previous “no,” flipped to a “yes” just before the final vote.
- Reps. David Schweikert (AZ) and Andrew Garbarino (NY), who missed the May vote, voted yes this time.
- Rep. Andy Harris (MD), who had voted “present” in May, also supported the bill.
- Rep. Don Bacon (NE), a retiring swing-district Republican, was considered a wild card but ultimately backed the bill.
Democrats Slam the Bill
Democrats remained united in opposition, portraying the bill as a windfall for the wealthy at the expense of working families, seniors, and the poor.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking eight-hour, 44-minute speech—surpassing Kevin McCarthy’s 2021 marathon speech against a Democratic social spending bill.
“Republicans are trying to jam this one, big, ugly bill down the throats of the American people,” Jeffries said. “It is an extraordinary assault on the health care of the American people.”
Other Democrats followed suit with pointed rebukes:
- Rep. Josh Riley (NY) said the bill would “kill blue-collar jobs,” “close rural hospitals,” and “defund health care” to benefit “cronies.”
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) called it a “deal with the devil.”
- Rep. Jim McGovern (MA) accused Republicans of behaving like they were in a “cult.”
Trump’s Mixed Messaging on Cuts
Despite repeatedly vowing not to slash Medicaid, Trump endorsed a bill that includes $1.2 trillion in cuts—largely from Medicaid and SNAP. The bill imposes new work requirements on able-bodied adults, including parents and some seniors, and alters how states are reimbursed for providing benefits—alarming rural state lawmakers.
When asked earlier this week about the cuts, Trump downplayed concerns: “It’s very complicated stuff. I don’t want to go too crazy with cuts. I don’t like cuts.”
Senate Republicans Face Backlash
Republican senators have also come under fire:
- Sen. Joni Ernst (IA) told protesters in May: “Well, we are all going to die,” when asked about Medicaid cuts.
- Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY) reportedly told colleagues, “They’ll get over it,” when discussing constituents angry about losing coverage.
More than 700,000 Iowans and 1.4 million Kentuckians rely on Medicaid.
What’s Next
The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk for signature. Despite controversy, it’s set to become a cornerstone of his second-term agenda—deepening partisan divides and setting the stage for fierce political battles heading into the 2026 midterms.
