
Trump Budget Bill Narrowly Clears House
Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” passes House 215–214, reshaping taxes, immigration, and Medicaid in a historic GOP win.
House Republicans Score Narrow Win on Trump’s Legislative Centerpiece
President Donald Trump’s massive tax and spending proposal cleared the House of Representatives early Thursday morning in a razor-thin 215–214 vote. The sweeping legislation, dubbed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” marks a major legislative victory for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., after more than 48 hours of nonstop debate and negotiation.
The bill delivers on core Trump agenda items by permanently extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, boosting border and defense funding, and implementing strict Medicaid and food stamp reforms. It also seeks to reduce the national deficit by trimming $1.5 trillion in federal spending.
“It quite literally is morning again in America,” Johnson declared after the vote. “What we're achieving today is nothing short of historic.”
Only two Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio—voted against the measure. All Democrats opposed it, and Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, R-Md., voted “present.”
Medicaid and SNAP Overhauls Spark Sharp Partisan Divide
The bill includes major changes to Medicaid, instituting new work requirements for able-bodied recipients and shifting cost-sharing to states, particularly those that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will also see a 20% reduction through similar eligibility reforms.
Democrats have fiercely criticized the bill’s social safety net changes. “They’re taking healthcare from 14 million Americans,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., labeled the legislation “ugly,” arguing it “forces kids to go hungry” and “increases poverty.”
House Republicans defended the measures as essential reforms. “We’re ending waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid,” said NRCC Chair Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C. “We’re strengthening it for future generations.”
Notably, Trump himself had warned lawmakers against drastic Medicaid cuts. During a closed-door meeting with House Republicans earlier in the week, he cautioned: “Don’t f--- around with Medicaid.” Nonetheless, fiscal conservatives secured an accelerated timeline for the new Medicaid requirements, moving implementation up from 2029.
The bill also includes $25 billion to launch a national “Golden Dome” missile defense system and $12 billion in reimbursements to states for border enforcement. Additional language bans federal funds for medical care related to gender transition for transgender adults.
In a key concession to blue-state Republicans, the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction will increase from $10,000 to roughly $40,000 for individuals earning under $500,000 annually—a move expected to benefit constituents in high-cost-of-living areas.
House Democrats warn that the bill’s passage could cost the GOP control of the chamber in the 2026 midterms. “This vote will cost many, many Republicans their seats,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin.
Republicans counter that the legislation fulfills campaign promises. “This is what real leadership looks like,” said Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla. “We promised to cut taxes, secure the border, and reform entitlements—and we delivered.”
While the House vote gives the bill momentum, its future remains uncertain. Several Senate Republicans have signaled opposition to key provisions, especially those related to Medicaid, SNAP, and the expanded SALT deduction. The Senate must pass an identical version of the bill before it can reach Trump’s desk. GOP leaders are pushing to finalize it by Independence Day.