After much anticipation and controversy, U.S. Congress approved Donald Trump's significant tax and spending legislation, which is projected to increase federal deficits by $3.3 trillion over the next decade. While Trump heralds it as a transformative victory, Democrats criticize its potential harm to vulnerable populations.
Congress Seals Trump’s Major Tax and Spending Bill Amid Mixed Reactions
Congress Seals Trump’s Major Tax and Spending Bill Amid Mixed Reactions
The U.S. Congress has narrowly passed Donald Trump's extensive tax and spending bill, spurring debate and concern over potential deficits and its impact on Americans.
The U.S. Congress has narrowly passed Donald Trump's extensive tax and spending bill, marking a significant triumph for the president and his agenda. Following intense negotiations, the House of Representatives approved the bill with a vote of 218 to 214 on Thursday, building on its Senate approval earlier in the week by a single vote.
Trump had pressed Congress to deliver the final version of the bill by the 4th of July, a deadline that now appears poised for compliance. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that the legislation could inflate federal deficits by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, a claim the White House has vigorously contested.
At a press conference following the vote, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the bill, stating, "This is going to be a great bill for the country," and suggesting it would catalyze economic growth. He plans to sign the bill into law during a ceremony on Independence Day.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson attributed the bill's passage to a strong belief among party members, highlighting the resolve needed to garner support. Among those whose positions shifted was Texas Congressman Chip Roy, who had previously opposed the Senate's version of the bill but ultimately sided with the majority during the vote.
Trump's mega-bill initially encountered resistance from within the Republican ranks; however, only two Republican lawmakers voted against it on Thursday. Celebrations erupted among Republican members upon the bill's passage, with chants of "USA! USA!" ringing in the House chamber.
Democratic leaders, however, issued pointed critiques, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivering an unprecedented eight-hour long speech against the measure. He condemned its implications for poor Americans, describing the bill as a setback for healthcare and food assistance.
The legislation includes budget cuts to welfare programs and reverses certain tax benefits for clean energy projects while reinforcing Trump's core promises, such as making previous tax cuts permanent and imposing additional taxes on certain income brackets. Furthermore, allocations of $150 billion are set aside for border security and military expenses, including missile defense initiatives.
Democratic representatives characterized the measure as reckless for low-income Americans, with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi asserting it marks the start of a "dark and harrowing time". Critics voiced concern that the bill prioritizes tax cuts for wealthy individuals while undermining essential services for millions.
Both parties face ongoing divisions, with moderates and hardliners among Republicans clashing over the potential fiscal ramifications of the bill. Despite contrasting views within the party, the legislative triumph positions Trump advantageously ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
