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House Clears Major Hurdle for Trump’s Sweeping Policy Bill Amid Republican Division

USA NEWS TODAY
3 Jul, 2025



In a dramatic turn of events on Capitol Hill, the U.S. House of Representatives has moved one step closer to passing President Trump’s landmark domestic policy bill. After hours of intense internal negotiation and public dissent among Republican ranks, Speaker Mike Johnson successfully led a narrow 219-213 vote early Thursday morning to allow debate on the legislation.

This preliminary victory signals a possible breakthrough for the Trump-backed bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, boosts to defense and border security, and controversial reductions in Medicaid and food assistance programs.

GOP Divided, Trump Applies Pressure

The vote came after a tense night of bargaining, with Speaker Johnson working relentlessly to quell rebellion from conservative Republicans unhappy with the bill’s cost and content. President Trump himself weighed in on social media, pressuring lawmakers with a fiery post:
"MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!"

Despite the backlash, Johnson expressed optimism:
"A lot of members genuinely needed time to digest what the Senate sent over. We now have a good grasp of what we’re voting on," he said.

Jeffries’ Long Speech Delays Final Vote

The House remained in limbo as Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries used his "magic minute" privilege to deliver a marathon speech opposing the bill. Jeffries called the legislation a “disgusting abomination,” reading personal stories from Americans who rely on Medicaid and fear for their futures under the proposed cuts.

His extended speech has delayed a final vote, which is expected later today once debate concludes.

High Stakes and Narrow Margins

Speaker Johnson faces a razor-thin margin for final passage. Only a few Republican defections could derail the bill. On Wednesday night, five GOP members opposed advancing the bill, but all but one — Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania — ultimately relented.

The most contentious points of the bill include:

  • $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts
  • Reduced SNAP (food stamp) benefits
  • $4.5 trillion in tax reductions
  • Increased funding for the military and border enforcement

The House Freedom Caucus, a group of hardline conservatives, remains uneasy about the bill’s cost and the additions made by the Senate, which passed its version by a single vote. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) expressed frustration: “The Senate doesn’t get to be the final say on everything. We’ve got to work this out.”

Still, after threatening to hold the bill hostage, Roy and other conservatives voted to bring it to the floor, hinting they may ultimately fall in line once more under pressure from Trump.

Democrats United in Opposition

Democrats, meanwhile, are seizing the moment to highlight GOP divisions and the bill’s potential harm to vulnerable Americans.
"When we say the Republican Party has turned into a cult, this is what we mean," said Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI).
Democratic leaders gathered outside the Capitol Wednesday to rally public opposition, pointing to representatives like David Valadao (R-CA), who has publicly opposed Medicaid cuts yet voted to advance the bill.

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the House, criticized Valadao directly, accusing him of abandoning his constituents for political optics.

What’s Next?

Once Jeffries finishes his extended floor speech, debate will wrap up and the House will proceed to a final vote — likely before the July 4 recess. If the bill passes, it will mark one of the biggest domestic policy victories of Trump’s second term, reshaping social safety nets and tax policy for years to come.

But until the gavel falls, uncertainty looms over whether the final votes will be there.

#TrumpBill #HouseVote #GOPDivide #MedicaidCuts #Congress2025 #HakeemJeffries #MikeJohnson #MAGA #DomesticPolicyBill #USPolitics

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