US Election 2024

Trump tax and spending bill heads for House-wide vote after key committee win

President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is on track for a House-wide vote following its approval by a key committee. The House Rules Committee, responsible for overseeing most legislation before it reaches the full chamber, convened at 1 a.m. on Wednesday to move the substantial bill forward in time for Speaker Mike Johnson’s Memorial Day deadline for Senate submission.

During a marathon session that extended from early Tuesday into Wednesday, Democratic lawmakers accused Republicans of attempting to push the bill through “in the dead of night” and favoring the wealthy over working-class families. Republicans defended the bill, highlighting its focus on supporting small businesses, farmers, and low- to middle-income households, while also addressing government safety net inefficiencies.

The high-stakes nature of the meeting was evident as Speaker Johnson, R-La., engaged with committee Republicans in the early hours of the morning. Despite challenges, Johnson expressed optimism about reaching a consensus with divided House GOP factions.

The House Rules Committee faced several contentious issues at the start of the meeting, including blue state Republicans advocating for an increase in state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, and conservatives pushing for stricter Medicaid work requirements and a full repeal of green energy subsidies from former President Joe Biden’s legislation.

While the bill’s advancement through the House Rules Committee is a significant step, its fate in a House-wide vote remains uncertain. Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, including Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, had initially called for a delay in the vote.

The White House issued a statement urging an immediate vote on the bill, emphasizing its support for the House GOP’s efforts to pass Trump’s comprehensive policies through the budget reconciliation process. This process allows for a lower Senate passage threshold, enabling the majority party to pass significant legislation related to the federal budget, taxation, or national debt with a simple majority.

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House Republicans aim to advance Trump’s bill through both chambers by the Fourth of July, emphasizing tax, immigration, energy, defense, and national debt policies. The bill’s passage would mark a significant legislative achievement for the Trump administration.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, is closely monitoring developments in the House of Representatives. For updates and tips, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind or reach out at elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.

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