The legislation is forecasted to significantly increase federal deficits while altering health coverage for millions.
'Trump's Major Legislative Win: Congress Approves Controversial Tax and Spending Bill'
'Trump's Major Legislative Win: Congress Approves Controversial Tax and Spending Bill'
US Congress narrowly approves Trump's tax and spending bill amidst deep divisions and heated debate.
Congressional updates have come through as the U.S. Congress approved Donald Trump's ambitious tax and spending bill, marking a considerable success for the president's domestic strategies. Following intense discussions and negotiations, the Senate approved the bill with a narrow margin earlier this week, leading to the House of Representatives voting 218 to 214 in favor Thursday afternoon. Trump had set a hard deadline of July 4 for Congress to finalize the bill for his signature.
The Congressional Budget Office has projected that the legislation could increase the federal deficit by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next decade, raising concerns about potential impacts on healthcare access for millions of Americans—claims that the White House vehemently contests.
During a press briefing, Trump expressed confidence in the bill, stating it would "transform our country," projecting an optimistic future. The president is expected to hold a signing ceremony on the upcoming Independence Day holiday to commemorate the bill's passage.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the significance of unity among party members in ensuring the bill's success. He remarked how crucial it was to have belief in their collective undertaking, especially after previously opposing lawmakers like Texas Representative Chip Roy eventually shifted to support the legislation.
Despite the triumph among Republicans, the bill's approval was met with opposition within the party and from Democrats, many of whom dominated the discourse during lengthy sessions dedicated to debate. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for instance, delivered the longest speech in House history to decry the harmful effects of the bill on vulnerable populations and criticized the tax breaks benefiting the wealthy.
This extensive legislation entails cuts to essential services such as food assistance and healthcare, alongside commitments to bolster military funding and enhance border security. Critics voiced strong disapproval, of which former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remarked, "today ushers in a dark and harrowing time" for the nation.
As both factions within the Republican Party wrestled over differing priorities and concerns over national debt, Trump's impatience grew evident, as he called out the members on social media for delaying the passing of the bill. The journey to the bill's final vote spanned numerous hours marked by procedural hurdles, signifying the underlying tensions and stakes involved in the broader legislative landscape.
The Congressional Budget Office has projected that the legislation could increase the federal deficit by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next decade, raising concerns about potential impacts on healthcare access for millions of Americans—claims that the White House vehemently contests.
During a press briefing, Trump expressed confidence in the bill, stating it would "transform our country," projecting an optimistic future. The president is expected to hold a signing ceremony on the upcoming Independence Day holiday to commemorate the bill's passage.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the significance of unity among party members in ensuring the bill's success. He remarked how crucial it was to have belief in their collective undertaking, especially after previously opposing lawmakers like Texas Representative Chip Roy eventually shifted to support the legislation.
Despite the triumph among Republicans, the bill's approval was met with opposition within the party and from Democrats, many of whom dominated the discourse during lengthy sessions dedicated to debate. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for instance, delivered the longest speech in House history to decry the harmful effects of the bill on vulnerable populations and criticized the tax breaks benefiting the wealthy.
This extensive legislation entails cuts to essential services such as food assistance and healthcare, alongside commitments to bolster military funding and enhance border security. Critics voiced strong disapproval, of which former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remarked, "today ushers in a dark and harrowing time" for the nation.
As both factions within the Republican Party wrestled over differing priorities and concerns over national debt, Trump's impatience grew evident, as he called out the members on social media for delaying the passing of the bill. The journey to the bill's final vote spanned numerous hours marked by procedural hurdles, signifying the underlying tensions and stakes involved in the broader legislative landscape.
