President Donald Trump is about to notch the biggest legislative victory of his second term after the House passed his sweeping domestic policy bill early Thursday morning. The measure, which Trump proudly calls his “Big Beautiful Bill,” now heads to his desk for a signature that could reshape taxes, federal spending, and the social safety net for years to come.
The Final Vote and the Late-Night Drama
The vote capped days of high tension on Capitol Hill. After hours of overnight negotiations and arm-twisting, the bill passed the House by a narrow margin of 219 to 213. Just two Republicans—Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Thomas Massie—voted against it, joining all Democrats in opposition.
The drama reached a peak when House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered the longest floor speech in modern House history. Using his “magic minute,” Jeffries spoke for more than eight hours, reading letters from Americans worried about losing Medicaid and warning the bill would deepen inequality. Republicans, meanwhile, accused Democrats of grandstanding to delay the inevitable.
Part of Trump’s Legacy
With this legislation, Trump has delivered on core promises he made on the campaign trail: deep tax cuts, huge spending increases for the military and immigration enforcement, and rollbacks of many policies from the Biden era. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it “a once-in-a-generation moment,” saying it would make America “stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”
This bill is likely to define Trump’s second term and could shape debates for years over the size of government, the future of clean energy, and America’s social safety net.
Key Points of the Bill
1. Permanent Tax Cuts
Extends the 2017 tax cuts, slashing corporate tax rates to 21% and locking in lower individual rates. Also adds new deductions for tips, overtime, auto loan interest, and a senior bonus deduction.
2. Expanded Defense and Border Funding
Provides $350 billion for border security, including 100,000 migrant detention beds and 10,000 new ICE agents. Funds the Golden Dome missile defense system and other military projects.
3. Cuts to Medicaid and Food Assistance
Introduces strict new work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients, which could remove coverage from nearly 12 million Americans over the next decade.
4. Ends Clean Energy Incentives
Phases out tax credits for electric vehicles, solar panels, and other renewable energy by 2028.
5. Creates ‘Trump Accounts’
Launches new child savings accounts with an initial $1,000 government deposit.
6. Raises the Debt Ceiling
Lifts the debt limit by $5 trillion to keep the government solvent.
Who Are the Winners?
Corporate America
Businesses get permanent tax cuts, expanded deductions for equipment and R&D, and a lower estate tax. Manufacturers can fully write off the cost of new facilities.
Higher-Income Households
Top earners will see an average tax cut of $13,000 per year and an expanded deduction for state and local taxes.
Military and Border Agencies
The Pentagon and Homeland Security receive major funding boosts to expand operations.
Tipped and Overtime Workers
New deductions on tip income and overtime pay will lower taxable income for many hourly workers.
Who Are the Losers?
Low-Income Americans
Millions could lose Medicaid and SNAP benefits due to stricter work requirements and funding cuts.
Clean Energy Companies
Solar, wind, and EV industries face an abrupt end to federal tax incentives.
Rural Hospitals
With Medicaid cuts and fewer insured patients, many rural hospitals could face budget shortfalls or closures.
Deficit Hawks
The bill adds an estimated $3.3 trillion to the federal debt over 10 years.
Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump for uniting the party behind a vision of smaller government and bigger opportunity. “This is a victory for every American who believes in hard work, prosperity, and a strong nation,” Johnson said.
Rep. Ralph Norman, who was persuaded by Trump to switch his vote, called the bill “the right thing to do at the right time.”
Democrats blasted the bill as a windfall for the wealthy at the expense of working families. Jeffries called it “reckless, regressive, and reprehensible,” warning it would “rip health care away from millions.”
Climate advocates called it “an all-out war on clean energy,” arguing it would set back progress on fighting climate change.
Trump has vowed to sign the bill by July 4. Once signed, many provisions—like tax cuts and border funding—will take effect immediately. The battle over how it reshapes America’s economy and safety net is only just beginning.
