Trump Criticizes GOP Senators as House Advances Major Legislation
House Moves Forward with Trump's Key Legislation
As the US House of Representatives prepares for a decisive vote on Donald Trump's significant legislative proposal, the President expressed his frustration on Thursday towards Republican senators who delayed the bill during a procedural vote. Ultimately, the tax cut and spending bill was pushed forward with a narrow 219-213 vote, but not before Trump took to social media to voice his displeasure, claiming that the resistance was detrimental to his support.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump remarked, "Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT'S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!"
The House's vote took place overnight on Wednesday after several hours of delays, allowing for the debate on the so-called 'big, beautiful bill' before the final vote. GOP leaders faced challenges due to modifications made by the Senate, as reported by a media outlet.
The voting process commenced around 9:30 PM local time on Wednesday. Trump has set a self-imposed deadline of July 4 for lawmakers to finalize the bill.
By 1 AM local time on Thursday, five House Republicans had voted against the bill, which could have jeopardized the rule vote; however, the vote remained open, allowing lawmakers to switch their votes. Eight Republicans had yet to cast their votes, and the party could only afford three dissenters if all members participated.
GOP leaders kept the vote open for an extended period to persuade those who voted 'no' and to sway key undecided members. The final tally stood at 219 to 213, with only one Republican dissenting—Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, according to reports.
House Republican leaders aimed to expedite the passage of this pivotal legislation, which is a cornerstone of Trump's agenda for his second term. The bill proposes increased funding for border security, defense, and energy production while extending significant tax cuts, which would be partially counterbalanced by cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs, as noted by a media outlet.
However, some House Republicans who previously supported an earlier version of the bill in May expressed dissatisfaction with the Senate's amendments, according to reports.
Potential dissenters, including moderates and members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, met with Trump on Wednesday as the White House exerted pressure on House Republicans to support the bill. One lawmaker described the discussions as "very productive." Nevertheless, GOP Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, the Freedom Caucus chairman, indicated earlier that he anticipated the procedural vote would not succeed in the afternoon.
The Republican-led US Senate approved the bill on Tuesday with a 51-50 vote, with Vice-President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.