It’s a dramatic day in Washington as President Donald Trump’s flagship tax and spending package, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill, faces opposition from a group of rebel House Republicans.
A Midnight Impasse
The clock is ticking, and the debate is still ongoing at the House after the bill passed its last procedural hurdle in the early hours of Thursday.
A final vote is expected in a few hours, but the Republican leadership is still trying to persuade holdouts to support the bill.
The President’s Fury
Meanwhile, Trump is not happy with the rebels, taking to social media to express his frustration.
“For Republicans, this should be an easy yes vote. Ridiculous!” he posted on his Truth Social platform.
“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?” he added, threatening that “MAGA is not happy, and it’s costing you votes.”
The Holdouts
Five Republicans have already voted “no” in the procedural vote to advance the legislation, while eight have yet to cast a vote.
Assuming all Democratic members cast a vote against the bill, Trump can afford to lose only three Republican votes if it is to advance to a final vote.
A Sweeping Package
The 800-page bill combines sweeping tax cuts, spending hikes on defence and border security, and cuts to social safety nets into one giant package.
But it faces opposition within Trump’s Republican Party, with moderate critics expressing concern about its cuts to social safety-net programmes like Medicaid, and conservatives baulking at the trillions it is likely to add to the national debt.
Critics Weigh In
Representative Chuy Garcia described the legislation as a “bad bill to enrich those who are already rich” in a video message posted on social media.
So far, 217 House Representatives have voted against advancing the legislation, including five Republicans, while 207 are in favour.
Members can change their vote until voting closes, and eight Republicans have yet to vote. The bill needs 218 votes to advance.