House Speaker Mike Johnson has won a legislative battle, as Donald Trump’s extensive tax and spending bill cleared a crucial procedural hurdle in the US House of Representatives. The bill advanced early Thursday morning, setting the stage for a potential final vote later in the day, despite significant resistance from lawmakers concerned about its controversial provisions and high cost.
The pivotal “rule” vote, essential for commencing debate on the legislation, faced hours of delay due to objections from both Democratic and a handful of Republican members. Its eventual approval around 4:00 AM in Washington D.C. underscores the Speaker’s determination to push through the bill, which has become a top priority for President Donald Trump.
President Trump personally intervened throughout Wednesday, holding numerous meetings and phone calls with skeptical Republican lawmakers to secure their support. His public pressure on Truth Social was evident: “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” He insists on the bill reaching his desk by the Independence Day holiday.
The bill, already passed by the Senate with a record number of amendments, faces a challenging path in the House due to the Republican Party’s slim majority. Fiscal conservatives, such as Congressman Keith Self, expressed strong opposition, arguing the Senate’s did not go far enough in cutting spending or curbing green energy incentives. Its projected $3.3 trillion addition to the federal deficit further fuels bipartisan concerns.