The House is debating whether to pass the Senate’s version of President Donald Trump‘s “big, beautiful bill.”
The session began with an extensive stalling attempt from Democrats, who lined up to request a guard against any cuts to Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, House Republicans muscled the bill through a procedural hurdle, setting the legislation up for a final vote as the conference works to get it to President Donald Trump’s desk by July 4.
The House voted 219 to 213 to adopt the rule, with one Republican joining all Democrats to vote against the procedural measure. The sole dissenter was Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) can only afford to lose three Republican votes with everyone present, as all Democrats are expected to vote against it. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Warren Davidson (R-OH) have already indicated they will vote against the bill.
TRUMP’S ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL’ TAX BILL CLEARS SENATE AFTER GOP REBELLION FORCES VANCE TIEBREAKER
The committee’s meeting came shortly after the Senate approved the bill early Tuesday afternoon in a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Susan Collins (R-ME) were the three Republican defectors.