House Narrowly Passes Trump’s 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' Heads to Senate

What Happened?

House Republicans came together Thursday to pass President Donald Trump’s 'big, beautiful bill' agenda in a narrow 215-214 vote.

Every House Democrat on the floor voted no on the measure, along with Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio.

The more than 1,000 pages of legislation and 42 pages of amendments now head to the Senate for final passage consideration.

House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a major win for President Trump amid a divided House floor as the blueprint was heavily questioned by several GOP holdouts.

House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) told NBC News that while the caucus 'did what we could,' he wished the bill had gone further on tax cuts.

President Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday to praise Speaker Johnson and House GOP members for their efforts in passing the 'historic bill.'

'This is arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country!' Trump exclaimed.

He pointed to massive cuts, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, strong border security measures, and tax deductions when an American-made vehicle is purchased as some of the examples why this bill should be applauded.

'Now, it’s time for our friends in the United States Senate to get to work and send this Bill to my desk AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! There is no time to waste,' Trump added.

Why it Matters

The 'big, beautiful bill' faces a tougher challenge in the Senate as Republicans have voiced plans to reject it without seeing major changes.

Senate Republicans had assured a dozen House conservatives they would pursue $1.5 trillion in savings before approving the plan.

But many are now worried about two major safety net programs being put at risk.

Millions of Americans could lose access to vital federal benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps as part of efforts to cut nearly $1 trillion in support of Trump’s bill.

GOP holdouts reportedly threatened for weeks that they wouldn't support any Republican plan that doesn’t tackle the nation’s growing debt deficit.

Johnson had told reporters that the House was committed to finding at least $1.5 trillion in savings while preserving essential programs.

'This bill fails the country,' said Sharon Parrott, president of nonpartisan research and policy institute at The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).

Parrot states that the Senate must reject the bill and any legislation that raises costs on families, takes health coverage or food assistance away from families, or drives up poverty and the number of uninsured people.

GOP lawmakers reportedly insist their proposed cuts to Medicaid and food stamps would largely affect 'able-bodied' adults.

How it Affects You

Without extensions to enhance premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace coverages, roughly 15 million people could lose health coverage by 2034.

Millions can also lose food assistance or have their food assistance taken away, including 2 million or more children, according to CBPP.

These groups, experts say, include senior citizens, and people with disabilities that the GOP has promised to protect.

As criticism grows over tax cuts for the wealthy, many point out trillions of dollars would still be added to the nation's debt deficit over the next decade.

If passed by the Senate, in its current form, it could worsen the nation's long-term fiscal plan and increase further economic risk.

Trump and Johnson plan to move quickly to sign this bill into law by July 4.

But could be met with resistance from Senate Republicans who have signaled plans to make various changes of their own.