Trump-Endorsed Spending Bill Passes House with Narrow Majority

In a razor-thin 217-215 vote, the US House passed a Trump-supported spending bill, reflecting deep divisions within the Republican party. The bill features substantial tax cuts, aiming for $2 trillion in cuts over the next decade while facing scrutiny from Democrats and fiscal conservatives alike.

In a dramatic session on Tuesday, the Republicans in the US House of Representatives narrowly advanced a multi-trillion dollar government spending bill that significantly aligns with President Donald Trump's 2025 policy agenda. The close call at 217-215 was viewed as an early benchmark for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had faced difficulties garnering enough support to secure the vote.

A faction of Republicans expressed concerns about fiscal responsibility, noting the measure includes $4.5 trillion in tax reductions partially offset by spending reductions and an increase in national debt. Despite these apprehensions, the bill advanced strictly along party lines, with Democrats unanimously opposed and one Republican, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, dissenting due to his push for deeper spending cuts. Notably, one Democrat abstained from voting.

The proposed budget articulates a vision for $2 trillion in cuts over the next decade intended to finance Trump's initiatives while designating over $100 billion for immigration enforcement and military expenditures. Moreover, it seeks to extend existing tax incentives that are scheduled to lapse at year-end.

Nevertheless, before becoming law, this budget must undergo a reconciliation process with an alternative version under consideration by the Senate, alongside numerous negotiations regarding specific provisions that may be adjusted.

In the run-up to the vote, Speaker Johnson and House Republican leadership worked intensively to persuade hesitant members of their party, including reaching out to holdouts with the help of Trump himself. "Trump helped us with a number of members," Scalise revealed, highlighting the former president's influence on the decision-making process.

After the successful vote, Johnson remarked on the work ahead to fulfill their commitment to America First principles. In opposition, Democrats criticized the proposed budget as disproportionately benefiting the wealthy and threatening essential services for low-income families reliant on Medicaid.

With Trump endorsing the House's spending framework, the Senate faces mounting pressure to consider the bill, despite possessing its version introduced just days prior.