House Republicans Struggle to Rally Support for Trump’s Sweeping Tax Bill

WASHINGTON: House Republicans are facing internal resistance as they push to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill before the July 4 deadline. Despite early signs of progress, the legislation hit a roadblock Wednesday night after five Republican members defected in a key vote, stalling the bill’s advance. With a razor-thin 220-212 majority, Speaker Mike Johnson cannot afford more than three defections, leaving the bill’s fate uncertain.

Trump, visibly frustrated, took to Truth Social late at night, criticizing the delay and urging lawmakers to act. "MAGA IS NOT HAPPY," he warned, framing the bill as a choice between economic revival and failure. The legislation — dubbed “One Big Beautiful Bill” — includes extensions of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, deep reductions in social safety net programs, and a $5 trillion increase to the national debt ceiling. Analysts warn it would add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

While the Senate narrowly passed the bill earlier this week, House Republicans remain divided. Fiscal conservatives object to its ballooning costs and cuts to Medicaid, which could strip health coverage from nearly 12 million Americans. Democrats have firmly opposed the bill, arguing it slashes services for working families while benefiting the wealthy. “This bill is catastrophic,” said Rep. Jim McGovern. “It is not policy, it is punishment.”

Despite the divisions, GOP leaders tried to project confidence. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer claimed progress was being made behind closed doors, and Trump earlier stated that the Republican majority was “united.” However, the risk of failing to meet Trump’s Independence Day deadline remains high. If any changes are made in the House, the bill would need to return to the Senate — a near-impossible task within the tight timeline.