Concerns over the federal deficit are mounting as Donald Trump’s comprehensive tax and spending bill inched forward in the US House of Representatives. The legislation cleared a critical procedural hurdle in the early hours of Thursday, paving the way for a potential final vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been determined to push the bill through quickly, despite significant opposition from lawmakers, including some Republicans, who are wary of its cost and impact.
The necessary “rule” vote, which had been stalled for hours, was finally approved around 4:00 AM in Washington D.C., ending an overnight legislative standoff. This prolonged delay was a testament to the internal dissent within the Republican ranks and the unanimous opposition from Democrats, underscoring the deep divisions surrounding the bill.
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 in the House, where the Republican majority is razor-thin. Fiscal conservatives, like Texas Congressman Keith Self, vehemently oppose the Senate’s version, arguing it fails to curb spending. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office’s estimate that the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the US budget deficit through 2034 is a major point of contention for many.
