House Republicans Pass "One Big Beautiful Bill" by Single Vote, Sparking Nationwide Debate

In a dramatic overnight session, House Republicans narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" early Thursday morning, delivering a major legislative victory for President Donald Trump. The sweeping bill, which advanced by a razor-thin 215-214 margin, now heads to the Senate, where significant changes are expected amid growing controversy and partisan division.

Key Provisions and Political Maneuvering

The legislation, exceeding 1,000 pages, is the centerpiece of Trump’s second-term domestic agenda. It bundles together permanent extensions of the 2017 individual and estate tax cuts, new tax breaks on tips, overtime, and car loan interest, and substantial increases to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap—from $10,000 to $40,000 in 2025, with a gradual phase-out for high earners. The bill also repeals or accelerates the phase-out of clean energy tax credits enacted during the Biden administration, aiming to partially offset the estimated $3.8 trillion cost of the tax provisions.

To secure enough Republican votes, House leaders made last-minute concessions, including boosting the SALT deduction to appease centrists and tightening Medicaid work requirements to win over fiscal conservatives. Despite these efforts, two Republicans opposed the bill and one voted present, highlighting ongoing fractures within the party.

Controversial Cuts and Criticism

The bill faces fierce opposition from Democrats and advocacy groups, primarily over its deep cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Critics warn that the changes could strip healthcare from approximately 8.6 million Americans and reduce food assistance for millions more, intensifying hardship for vulnerable populations. Republicans counter that the Medicaid reforms target fraud and encourage workforce participation, not the neediest recipients.

The legislation is also projected to add $3.8 trillion to the national debt, raising alarms about long-term fiscal sustainability. The repeals of clean energy incentives and the prioritization of tax breaks for corporations and high-income earners have further fueled partisan divides.

Other Notable Provisions

• The bill includes the "No Tax on Tips" policy, allowing workers to exclude up to $25,000 in cash tips from federal income taxes, a move popular in states with large service industries.
• It incorporates the bipartisan "Take It Down Act," aimed at enhancing online child protection, which has received praise from both parties.
• Energy provisions in the bill eliminate certain solar tax credits and modify transferability rules for clean energy incentives, drawing criticism from climate advocates.

Next Steps: Senate Showdown

The bill’s passage in the House is only the first hurdle. Senate Republicans have already signaled their intent to make substantial changes, particularly to Medicaid cuts and the expanded SALT deduction, both of which are contentious even within the GOP caucus. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the need for "adjustments or modifications," and the White House is pressing for swift action to deliver the bill to Trump’s desk by July 4.

As the Senate prepares for what is expected to be a heated debate, Democrats have vowed to resist measures they argue will harm working-class Americans. The outcome will shape the trajectory of Trump’s legislative agenda and could have profound implications for the 2026 midterm elections.

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We can celebrate this pass in the House for a couple of hours, but now it's time for the Senate to get to work, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, underscoring the urgency and high stakes surrounding the bill’s future.