House passes Trump's megabill, securing a big win for the GOP agenda
President Trump is scheduled to sign the bill into law at 4 p.m. on July 4 at the White House, locking in tax reductions and Medicaid cuts.
WASHINGTON – The fight is over: Republicans' sweeping bill to cut taxes and slash benefit programs like Medicaid has passed out of Congress and is on its way to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law during a July 4 ceremony at the White House.
The 218-214 House vote came after a full day of negotiations July 2, an overnight debate and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, delivering the longest House speech on record. Trump met at the White House with skeptical GOP lawmakers, worked the phones and, via social media, cheered the members on during votes.
It’s a major victory for Trump and Republican leadership in Congress, which captured a trifecta during the 2024 elections and has used that political muscle to force what they've dubbed their "One Big, Beautiful Bill" through both chambers at a rapid-fire pace. The passage came despite deep reservations within their own party and unanimous opposition from Democrats who see it as a ticket to winning back congressional majorities in 2026.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said he hopes Trump will sign the bill on the nation's 249th birthday on Friday. "What more appropriate time to pass the big, beautiful bill for America than on Independence Day?" he said.
The bill that Trump has touted as a centerpiece of his second-term agenda will touch nearly every aspect of the American economy, from the social safety net and income taxes to business and clean energy incentives.
It is estimated to increase deficits by around $3.4 trillion over the next ten years. It would make 2017 income tax cuts permanent; create new, narrow tax breaks for tips and overtime; implement new benefits for businesses; and roll back clean energy tax credits crated under former President Joe Biden.
"Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy," Trump said on social media during a procedural vote. "What are the Republicans waiting for???"
The timing of the victory gives Trump a chance to promote his so-called "big, beautiful bill" tonight in Des Moines, Iowa, where he’s traveling to kick off a yearlong celebration marking the 250th birthday of the United States.
Democrats were unified in opposition to the bill in the House and Senate, calling it an assault on healthcare and nutritional assistance. The bill would make deep cuts to Medicaid, leaving nearly 12 million Americans uninsured, and knock 2 million people off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance food program.
"People will die. Tens of thousands, year after year after year, as a result of the Republican assault on the healthcare of the American people," said Jeffries who spoke for more than eight-and-a-half hours. "This is a crime scene."
Here's what we know about the bill:
Trump: 'I have more power now'
A few hours after the House’s approval, Trump touted the sweeping tax and spending bill as the "biggest bill of its kind ever signed" and predicted the country would soar to new heights.
"It’s going to make this country into a rocket ship," Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One on Thursday evening to travel to Des Moines, Iowa, where he’s set to give a speech to kick off a yearlong celebration for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
Trump said it wasn’t difficult to convince House Republicans, including members of the House Freedom Caucus, who met with him at the White House on Wednesday to discuss their concerns with the legislation. Only two House Republicans voted against the bill.
"I did not have much of a problem with any of them," Trump said, adding that he didn’t make any "deals" in exchange for their support but focused on the merits of the bill. "It was not hard. This is going to be a great bill for the country."
Trump acknowledged the enormous sway he has on Republicans in Congress — and said he has even more power over his party compared to his first White House term.
"I think I have more power now," Trump said. "I do. I could say, oh gee, I don’t know. I think I probably do because we’ve had a great record of success."
"More gravitas. More power," he added.
Trump is set to sign the bill into law during a White House ceremony on Friday, which falls on the 4th of July, the deadline Trump set weeks ago for Republican lawmakers to send him the bill.
House takes next week off from voting after passing Trump bill
After round-the-clock negotiations to send Trump’s legislative package to the president’s desk, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer announced lawmakers will not be voting next week.
Johnson had said he hadn’t slept much in the previous two days.
The House had expected to be on recess this week for the July 4 holiday, but returned to vote on Trump’s bill. Lawmakers had planned to return July 7. But Emmer, R-Minnesota, announced the next House votes are now expected July 14 about 6:30 p.m. EDT.
YMCA blasts as Johnson enrolls bill
Johnson and dozens of Congressional Republicans crammed into a ceremonial room off the House chamber to celebrate the completion of their months-long effort.
"YMCA" by Village People — a standby from Trump’s campaign rallies — blasted as Johnson shook hands with his colleagues and signed the bill at a wooden desk.
"We had a vision for what we wanted to do," Johnson said. "I believed in this vision. I believed in the group. I believe in America."
When will Trump sign the bill into law?
Trump will sign the newly approved megabill into law Friday at 4 p.m. EDT during a ceremony at the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
The ceremony will take place on the Fourth of July, the deadline Trump set weeks ago for Republicans to send his signature to his desk.
"Today is a victorious day for the American people," Leavitt said in a call to reporters where she described the bill as "an encapsulation of all of the policies that the president campaigned on."
Which Republicans voted against Trump’s bill?
Two House Republicans voted against Trump’s legislative package, after round-the-clock meetings with legislative leaders and the president himself at the White House prevented more defections.
GOP Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania opposed the measure in the 218-214 vote.
The legislation was approved by narrow votes throughout its journey through Congress. The House approved its initial version in May on a 215-214 vote, with two Republicans opposed, one voting present and two absent. The Senate voted 51-50 on July 1, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie with three Republicans voting no.
What does non voting, voting present mean?
It’s not as simple as yes or no for lawmakers. The other options include "present" or "non voting."
Lawmakers can vote present, essentially opting out of a yes or no, and keeping their vote from counting toward the final tally.
This is a popular route for hardliners in controversial decisions — saving them from voting against their position without hurting their party’s chance of success.
Speaker Johnson tees up House vote
Johnson teed up the vote on Trump’s sweeping tax bill. But before surrendering the microphone, the Louisiana Republican slammed Jeffries' record-breaking speech.
"Democrats deliver performances and Republicans deliver results," Johnson said.
Earlier in his remarks, the speaker teed up the roll call as a pivotal political moment for the country. "In a few moments, we will remind the world why the American experiment still endures today and why its best days are still ahead of us," he said. Johnson ended his remarks shortly after 2:05 p.m. EDT and the House began 15-minute vote for final passage on Trump's second-term legislative agenda.
Jeffries wraps record-breaking speech
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, turned in a record-breaking House floor speech, speaking for more than eight-and-a-half hours.
He concluded by urging people to "press on."
After he wrapped, the Democrats gave him hugs, handshakes and high fives and chanted "Hakeem! Hakeem!"
Republicans then took the floor and immediately began poking fun at Jeffries' marathon speech.
"I'm from the 'Show Me' state," Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, said on the floor after the speech. "And what we just heard can be defined in one word: A bunch of hogwash."
What was the scene like on the House floor?
The mood in the House was while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries trashed Trump’s sweeping tax bill during his floor remarks that started in the middle of the night.
Democrats seated behind Jeffries included Michigan Rep. Shri Thanedar, California Rep. Luz Rivas, and Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari. They had pursed lips and scrunched eyebrows while listening to their leader rail against the bill's tax cuts and Medicaid spending changes.
Some were spotted scrolling on their phones. At times, Jeffries’ colleagues stood up and clapped at his remarks. Others shouted "preach" and "take your time."
"You are the swamp," Jeffries said at one point addressing Republicans, who almost entirely skipped the Democratic leader's remarks.
About 50 Democrats were present in the chamber. For the GOP, a few staffers and lawmakers were present, including South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman.
VP JD Vance: Hakeem Jeffries’ speech flipped a GOP vote on the bill
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ marathon floor speech protesting Trump’s tax bill has not only moved Democrats. It’s moved Republicans too, according to Vice President JD Vance.
"GOP Congressman just texted me: 'I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries performance and now I’m a firm yes,'" Vance wrote on X, without specifying who the lawmaker was.
Republicans criticized Jeffries. "When I listen to Hakeem Jeffries, it drives me bananas," Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles said on "The Benny Show."
Johnson told reporters of Jeffries, "It takes a lot longer to build the lies than to tell the truth, so he's really spinning a long tale in there."
When will the GOP tax and spending bill go into effect?
The nearly 900-page spending and tax bill covers a wide swath of government spending beyond Medicaid cuts and tax cuts, and there is a wide variation on when each provision goes into effect as well.
Medicaid: Nationwide Medicaid work requirements take effect Jan. 1, 2027, shortly after the mid-term elections decide which party controls Congress.
The legislation requires "able-bodied" Medicaid recipients to work 80 hours a month or qualify for an exemption, such as being a student, caregiver or having a disability. The work requirement applies to parents of children older than 13.
Tax rates: The bill permanently extends the tax cuts introduced in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which were set to expire this year. There should be not disruption in their application if the bill is signed.
SALT: The cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT, would lift to $40,000 starting in 2025. That benefit starts to phaseout for people who earn more than $500,000 of income. In 2030 the increased deduction ends and the $40,000 limit would revert to $10,000.
Tips and overtime: No tax on tips or overtime are promises Trump made on the campaign trail when he was running for a second term. Workers will be able to deduct up to $25,000 in tips and up to $25,000 in overtime, but the tax law change is temporary and ends Dec. 31, 2028, right before he leaves office.
Child Tax Credit: Under current law, the maximum child tax credit is $2,000, which will revert to $1,000 after 2025 without changes from Congress. The GOP’s spending bill would permanently raise that maximum credit to $2,200 starting in 2025 and tie the amount to inflation going forward. There is no end date
Social Security tax deduction: Only some Social Security beneficiaries will be able to claim the deduction, which was also a promise Trump made on the campaign trail. This deduction is also temporary. It would last from 2025 to 2029.
The bill includes a temporary $6,000 deduction for seniors over the age of 65 and eliminates Social Security tax liability for seniors with adjusted gross incomes of $75,000 or less or $150,000 if filing as a married couple.
The lowest-income seniors who already don’t pay taxes on Social Security, those who choose to claim their benefits before they reach age 65 and those above a defined income threshold could not claim the deduction. - Sarah D. Wire
Speaker Mike Johnson: ‘We have the votes’
Johnson told reporters on July 3 that he expects Trump's major tax bill to make it through to final passage.
"We have the votes," the Louisiana Republican said.
With a razor-thin majority in the House, Johnson can only afford to lose three Republican votes. Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie has previously said he will oppose the bill.
Members of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus have also raised concerns about the legislation adding to the nation's deficit. But Johnson expressed confidence in the bill’s passage, saying he’s "ready to roll."
What does the GOP bill mean for Medicaid?
The GOP spending and tax bill would cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, the state-federal health program for low-income families and disabled people. The bill is projected to eliminate insurance coverage for between 12 million and 20 million people over the next decade, according to two estimates.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office calculates that the bill would leave 11.8 million people uninsured by 2034. The Senate Joint Economic Committee Minority estimates that about 20 million people could lose coverage.
Medicaid insures 83 million low-income children and adults, or more than 1 in 5 Americans, according to KFF, a health policy nonprofit. Medicaid funds 63% of nursing home facility residents, according to KFF.
Republicans say the $900 billion-a-year program was allowed to grow too large under Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden by adding nondisabled adults they say don't deserve government assistance, and they have long sought to scale it back. The expanded access has been in place for 13 years.
People may not recognize that their coverage is at risk because in many states Medicaid goes by a local name. For example, California’s program is called Medi-Cal and Louisiana's Medicaid program is called Healthy Louisiana.
The funding cuts mean states will receive smaller Medicaid payments from the federal government.
What Medicaid work requirements are in the bill?
The Trump tax bill imposes nationwide Medicaid work requirements that take effect Jan. 1, 2027, shortly after the mid-term elections decide which party controls the next Congress.
The legislation requires "able-bodied" Medicaid recipients to work 80 hours a month or qualify for an exemption, such as being a student, caregiver or having a disability. The work requirement applies to parents of children older than 13.
The bill would require states to check eligibility twice a year, rather than once. And states, which administer Medicaid, would have to set up systems to verify a person's employment or exemption status.
The work requirements mean states will have extra administrative duties of verifying an enrollee's work or volunteer status.
‘MAGA is not happy,’ Trump warned Republican holdouts
As the House advanced the bill forward earlier on the morning of July 3, Trump applied pressure to conservative holdouts and expressed frustration with their stubbornness.
"FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!" Trump said in a 12:45 a.m. ET post on Truth Social.
A half-hour earlier, he wrote: "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!!!"
Hakeem Jeffries slams Trump’s bill in ‘magic minute’ speech
Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s sweeping tax and domestic policy bill under a procedural tactic known as "magic minute," which allows party leaders to have unlimited speaking time on the floor.
Jeffries' speech started shortly before 5 a.m., as the bill moved closer to passing the House.
"I rise today in strong opposition to Donald Trump’s disgusting abomination…that guts Medicaid, rips food from the mouths of children, seniors and veterans, and rewards billionaires with massive tax breaks," Jeffries said.
He condemned the cuts in spending for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the bill, arguing that the cost of living is too high.
"Cruelty should never be the objective or the outcome of legislation that we consider here in the House of Representatives," he said.