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By Kate Plummer, Amanda Castro, Peter Aitken, and Daniel Orton

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The House of Representatives on Thursday passed President Donald Trump's massive tax and spending package, narrowly approving the legislation 218–214 after months of internal GOP divisions and last-minute negotiations. The bill now heads to Trump's desk, where he is expected to sign it on July 4.

The legislation—nicknamed the "One Big Beautiful Bill"—extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, and boosts funding for immigration enforcement and defense. To offset the cost, it slashes nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and reduces food assistance and clean energy incentives.

How We Got Here

House Republicans had been locked in a stalemate for hours as conservatives balked at the Senate's version of the mega bill. Personal calls from Trump and a late‑night prayer huddle in the Speaker's office eventually peeled away the resistance, culminating in the narrow procedural win.

What's in the Bill

The 1,200‑page package would:

• Permanently extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts, while exempting overtime pay, tips and some Social Security income from taxation.
• Impose 80‑hour‑per‑month work requirements on many adults receiving Medicaid and apply existing SNAP work rules to additional beneficiaries.
• Repeal most clean‑energy tax credits created under President Biden.
• Authorize a $40 billion border security surge and fund a nationwide deportation initiative.
• Raise the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that it could add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

Newsweek's live blog is closed.

Jul 03, 2025 at 07:32 PM EDT

Trump Administration Sending Hundreds of Marines to Florida to Help ICE

The U.S. military announced Thursday that 200 Marines will be deployed to Florida to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with administrative and logistical support. According to the statement, the Marines represent the first phase of U.S. Northern Command's backing of ICE's enforcement operations.

"Service members participating in this mission will perform strictly non-law enforcement duties within ICE facilities," USNORTHCOM said in a statement.

The military emphasized that the Marines' duties will be limited to administrative and logistical support, with strict prohibitions against any direct contact with individuals in ICE custody or involvement in the custody process.

Read the full article on Newsweek by Peter Aitken and Gabe Whisnant.

Jul 03, 2025 at 07:12 PM EDT

Trump Announces ‘Make America Beautiful Again’ Commission

President Donald Trump capped off a successful legislative day by signing an executive order to establish the "Make America Beautiful Again Commission," which will aim to enhance the management of federal lands.

"The Commission shall advise and assist the President regarding how best to responsibly conserve America's national treasures and natural resources," the executive order stated.

The responsibilities of the commission will be to:

• promote responsible stewardship of natural resources while driving economic growth
• expand access to public lands and waters for recreation, hunting, and fishing
• encourage responsible, voluntary conservation efforts
• cut bureaucratic delays that hinder effective environmental management
• recover America's fish and wildlife populations through proactive, voluntary, on-the-ground collaborative conservation efforts

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, formerly the governor of North Dakota, will lead the commission, with help from Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Vince Haley.

Additionally, the secretaries of Defense and Agriculture, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, director of the Office of Management and Budget, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality - or their selected representatives - will make up the leadership of the commission.

Jul 03, 2025 at 06:42 PM EDT

Trump Announces ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Signing Celebration for July 4: ‘CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA’

President Donald Trump on Truth Social announced that he would sign his long-awaited "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" at 4 p.m. ET on July 4 at a "Signing Celebration."

"The Republicans in the House of Representatives have just passed the "ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT." Our Party is UNITED like never before and, our Country is "HOT."," Trump wrote.

"We are going to have a Signing Celebration at the White House tomorrow, at 4 P.M. EST," he said. "All Congressmen/women and Senators are invited. Together, we will celebrate our Nation's Independence, and the beginning of our new Golden Age."

"The people of the United States of America will be Richer, Safer, and Prouder than ever before," he added. "Thank you to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and all of the wonderful Republican Members of Congress who helped us deliver on our Promises, and so much more."

"Together, we can do things that were not even imagined possible less than one year ago. We will keep working, and winning — CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!"

Jul 03, 2025 at 06:01 PM EDT

‘We have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves,’ says Trump on withholding Ukraine weapons

President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. is withholding some weapons from Ukraine on Thursday.

"We're giving weapons, but we've given so many weapons," he told reporters when asked about the reports. "But we are giving weapons, and we're working with them and trying to help them.

"But we haven't, you know, emptied out our whole country giving weapons and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves," Trump added.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:57 PM EDT

Trump ‘not happy’ about Ukraine discussion with Putin

Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that he was "not happy" with how his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin had gone on Ukraine.

"We also talked about the war with Ukraine, and I'm not happy about that," he told reporters.

"I didn't make any progress with him today at all."

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:52 PM EDT

Thousands brave 90 F heat to await president in Iowa

Thousands of spectators braved the 90 F degree heat in Des Moines, Iowa to await the arrival of President Donald Trump.

Trump has set to arrive at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines to headline a rally that will kick off a yearlong birthday party to mark 250 years of American independence.

Military veteran Brandon Duart, from West Des Moines, arrived hours early for a glimpse of the president.

Duart said he embraces any opportunity to "support patriotism."

"There's a lack of it," Duart said. "We got flipped off on the way over here. It's a little discouraging."

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:34 PM EDT

Trump says he has ‘more power’ in second term

President Donald Trump said he believes that he has "more power" now in his second term, compared to his first.

Trump was asked about the difference in his two terms on the tarmac as he prepared to board Air Force One bound for Iowa, following the passing of his tax cuts and spending bill.

"I think I have more power now," he responded, "I think I probably do because we've had a great record of success. You know my first term was very, very successful. We had the greatest economy in the history of our country.

"I think we're going to blow it away this term.

"You know we've proven certain things. And probably, it's got more gravitas, more power."

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:24 PM EDT

Donald Trump reacts to ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ headed to his desk

President Donald Trump said he was "celebrating the biggest bill of its kind ever signed" as he boarded Air Force One bound for Iowa, after his legislation was passed.

"It's going to make this country into a rocket ship. It's going to be really great," he added.

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:21 PM EDT

Trump watched Johnson’s celebratory presser from the White House

President Donald Trump watched House Speaker Mike Johnson give his victorious news conference after the passage of the big bill.

A photo shared by the White House, showed Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio standing watching a TV mounted above an aide's desk, just outsid the Oval Office.

"Monitoring the situation," the White House captioned the photo in its X post.

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:10 PM EDT

Trump bill could increase debt by more than expected: New analysis

The "Big Beautiful Bill" could increase the national debt by more than expected, according to a new report from the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank.

The House of Representatives passed the Senate version of President Donald Trump's signature bill on Thursday. The bill, if signed into law, would bring significant changes to U.S. tax policy, Medicaid and other programs like student loans and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The bill sparked backlash from Democrats and even some Republicans concerned about its fiscal impact on the national debt. The new Cato Institute analysis warned that, accounting for factors like interest rates and economic growth, the bill could add $6 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years.

That figure is higher than other reports. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), for instance, found that it would add $3.4 trillion to the debt by the end of 2034. The national debt currently stands at more than $36 trillion.

The Cato report, penned by policy analyst Dominik Lett, found that the bill includes budget gimmicks that mask its true cost."

Read in full from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:54 PM EDT

Speaker Johnson celebrates bill’s passage with music and emotion

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The mood was jubilant on Thursday as House Republicans gathered to celebrate the passage of President Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill. Speaker Mike Johnson, visibly moved, addressed his colleagues just before the bill was sent to the White House for signing.

"I believe in America," Johnson said, his voice catching as GOP lawmakers applauded. He praised his conference for executing "an audacious plan" and seizing the moment under unified Republican control.

The ceremony, which included music and cheers, marked a rare moment of unity for House Republicans after months of internal battles. Johnson didn't hold back in his criticism of the previous administration, declaring, "Everything was an absolute disaster under the Biden-Harris radical, woke, progressive, Democrat regime."

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:47 PM EDT

Democrats launch ‘Accountability Summer’ to target GOP over Medicaid cuts

In response to the passage of Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, House Democrats are launching a nationwide campaign to hold Republicans accountable for its deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Dubbed "Accountability Summer," the initiative will feature more than three dozen members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus hosting events across GOP-held districts over the next two months. According to a source familiar with the plans, the campaign will include press conferences outside rural hospitals and nursing homes expected to be hit hardest by the bill's Medicaid reductions.

The effort is part of a broader Democratic strategy to spotlight the human cost of the legislation, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will leave over 16 million Americans without health coverage by 2034. Democrats hope the campaign will energize voters ahead of the 2026 midterms and flip key House seats.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:32 PM EDT

Democrats condemn GOP bill

Top Democrats unleashed a wave of criticism Thursday after House Republicans narrowly passed Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, calling it a historic betrayal of working families and a windfall for the wealthy.

Senator Elizabeth Warren called the legislation "a sellout," warning that "17 million people will lose health care," and grocery costs will rise. "Every single Republican now owns this," she said.

Representative Pramila Jayapal dubbed the measure the "Big Bad Betrayal Bill," calling it "the largest ever transfer of wealth from the working class to the rich."

Senator Bernie Sanders issued a dire warning, citing the closure of a Nebraska hospital as a direct result of the bill's Medicaid cuts. "This is a death sentence," he said, estimating 51,000 Americans could die annually due to lost coverage.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also weighed in, calling the bill "Project 2025 in action" and accusing Republicans of "kicking Americans off their health care, shuttering hospitals, eliminating food assistance, and raising costs."

Democrats vowed to make the bill a central issue in the 2026 midterms.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:17 PM EDT

Greater Boston Food Bank condemns cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in GOP bill

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Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank, issued a strong rebuke of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Thursday, warning that its sweeping cuts to food and health programs will deepen hunger and hardship across Massachusetts and the nation.

"These are the largest rollbacks to SNAP and Medicaid in history," D'Amato said in a statement to Newsweek via email, noting that the cuts will affect seniors, veterans, children, legally present immigrants, and working families. "This Act shifts the burden of food and health care onto state budgets—an impossible ask without sacrificing other critical services."

D'Amato emphasized that SNAP supports 1 in 6 residents in Massachusetts and that Medicaid covers nearly 30% of the state's population. She warned that the bill will force more people to rely on an already overstretched hunger relief network, estimating that Massachusetts food banks would need an additional $119 million to meet the increased demand.

She also cited findings from GBFB's 2025 report, which links food insecurity to $1.3 billion in annual emergency health care costs in the state.

"No one should have to choose between medical care and food," D'Amato said. "This bill will force thousands to do just that."

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:04 PM EDT

House Republicans abruptly cancel all planned votes for next week after Trump’s bill passes: Report

House Republican leaders have canceled all scheduled votes for next week, according to a report by NewsWire on X, following the narrow passage of Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill.

The decision comes after a grueling stretch of late-night negotiations, floor speeches, and internal party wrangling that culminated in the bill's approval just ahead of the July 4 deadline.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:57 PM EDT

ACLU official warns ICE expansion under Trump bill will cost lives

Sarah Mehta, deputy director of government affairs at the ACLU, issued a stark warning Thursday about the consequences of President Trump's newly passed domestic policy bill, calling it a dangerous expansion of immigration enforcement that will "strip lifesaving health care from millions" to fund mass deportation.

"With over $170 billion, ICE will become the largest law enforcement agency in the U.S., with a bigger budget than most of the world's militaries," Mehta said in a statement. "This administration will be able to multiply its violent raids and detain over 750,000 children, parents, and longtime residents in remote detention camps where, even now, people are dying."

The bill, which passed Congress this week, includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and food assistance while dramatically increasing funding for border enforcement, detention centers, and ICE operations. Critics say the legislation prioritizes punitive immigration policies over public health and safety.

Mehta called the bill "obsessive and cruel," warning that its implementation will lead to widespread suffering and loss of life.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:43 PM EDT

DNC chair warns GOP bill will cost lives and devastate working families

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin issued a stark warning Thursday following the passage of President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, calling it "one of the worst bills in our nation's history."

In a statement, Martin said the legislation's deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs would have deadly consequences. "We know the numbers: 17 million Americans will lose health care, over 5 million will lose food assistance, and millions will lose their jobs," he said. "But we must also know the stories. Had this bill passed when I was growing up, I would not be here today."

Martin, who has spoken publicly about his own childhood reliance on Medicaid and SNAP, said the bill amounts to a massive transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich. "Lawmakers' constituents will starve, lose critical medical care, lose their jobs—and yes, some will die as a result of this bill," he said.

He vowed that Democrats would mobilize to hold Republicans accountable ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:30 PM EDT

These House Republicans voted against Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

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Two House Republicans broke ranks and voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, President Donald Trump's flagship tax and spending package, on Thursday afternoon.

Despite the GOP defections, the measure passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 218-214, with every House Democrat voting against it.

Thursday's vote caps weeks of nail-biting tension among Republicans as intraparty dissent threatened to derail Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which aims to deliver on his top legislative priorities: cementing the sweeping tax cuts, which disproportionately benefit wealthy Americans, enacted during his first term, and substantially increasing funding for border security and immigration enforcement.

The Republican bill pays for the tax cuts and increased border security with deep spending reductions in critical social safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the bill could result in 11.8 million more uninsured Americans by 2034 and add nearly $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.

The initial version of the "big, beautiful bill" passed the House in May but was significantly reshaped in the Senate, before being sent back to the House earlier this week. A number of House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, said they were unhappy with the Senate-passed version. Ultimately, two Republicans did not support it for differing reasons.

• Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky said he could not vote for it because of concerns that it would balloon the federal deficit
• Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania promised his constituents that he would not support a package that included steep cuts to Medicaid.

Read the full story by Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:19 PM EDT

Rep. Ansari votes no on Trump budget, calls it cruel and reckless

Representative Yassamin Ansari voted against Trump's sweeping budget bill on Thursday, condemning it as a direct attack on working families and vulnerable communities. In a statement following the vote, Ansari said the legislation would strip health care from more than 365,000 Arizonans and deepen inequality across the country.

"This bill rips away health care from those who need it most to fund tax breaks for billionaires," Ansari said. "It's the largest wealth transfer from the poor to the rich in our nation's history—and it's unconscionable."

Ansari, who also led a public "read-in" of the bill earlier this week, criticized cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and education funding, warning that the legislation would devastate Arizona's most at-risk residents. She pledged to continue fighting for policies that prioritize economic fairness and access to care.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:03 PM EDT

What’s in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill: Tax cuts, safety net rollbacks, and more

The One Big Beautiful Bill, recently passed by Congress and heading to President Trump's desk, is a sweeping legislative package that touches nearly every corner of domestic policy. Spanning over 1,000 pages, the bill combines tax reform, spending cuts, and conservative policy priorities into a single reconciliation measure.

Key provisions include:

• Tax policy:

  • Permanent extension of 2017 Trump tax cuts
  • New deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest
  • Enhanced child tax credit and adoption credit
  • Creation of "MAGA accounts" for tax-advantaged savings

• Health care:

  • Nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts
  • New work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients
  • Ban on Medicaid funding for gender transition procedures for minors
  • Expanded access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

• Education and student loans:

  • Caps on federal student loan borrowing
  • Limits on Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Expansion of Pell Grants for workforce training

• Immigration and border security:

  • $175 billion for border wall construction, ICE operations, and hiring
  • $100 asylum application fee
  • Restrictions on benefits for undocumented immigrants

• Energy and environment:

  • Repeal of clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act
  • Expanded oil, gas, and coal production incentives
  • Elimination of EPA climate-related grant programs

• Defense and military:

  • $150 billion increase in defense spending
  • Funding for missile defense, shipbuilding, and Indo-Pacific operations

• Other notable items:

  • Defunding of Planned Parenthood
  • Repeal of excise tax on short-barreled firearms and suppressors
  • Temporary increase in the SALT deduction cap

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:59 PM EDT

Trump to sign domestic policy bill at White House ceremony Friday

Trump will sign his sweeping domestic policy bill at 5 p.m. Friday during a ceremony at the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday.

"Today is a victorious day for the American people," Leavitt said.

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:57 PM EDT

Donald Trump Jr. reacts to bill clearing House

Donald Trump Jr. took to X to share his reaction to the Big Beautiful Bill clearing the House, saying: "No more taxes on tips. No more taxes on overtime. Working-class family tax cuts across the board. Funding for ICE so we can secure our border. Killing Biden's Green New Scam and unleashing American energy.

"All thanks to the Big Beautiful Bill."

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:56 PM EDT

Treasury Secretary Bessent hails tax bill as gateway to ‘Golden Age’

Following the House's narrow passage of Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised the legislation as a historic economic milestone. In a statement Thursday, Bessent said the bill "has set the stage for the coming Golden Age as we prepare to celebrate the 250th year of our great nation."

Bessent credited Trump and congressional Republicans for delivering what he called "the biggest legislative win for American workers and families." The bill, which includes permanent tax cuts, new deductions for tips and overtime, and significant spending reductions, is expected to be signed into law by the president on July 4.

Bessent emphasized that the legislation would strengthen the economy, reduce waste, and provide long-term stability for businesses and families alike.

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:54 PM EDT

Union president slams Trump-backed bill for cuts to SNAP and Medicaid

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Milton Jones condemned the passage of President Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill on Thursday, calling it "damaging" and "economically reckless" for working families.

In a statement, Jones criticized the legislation's deep cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), arguing that the programs not only support vulnerable Americans but also sustain union jobs in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and health care facilities.

"Eighty percent of SNAP dollars are spent at traditional grocery stores where our members work and feed their communities," Jones said. He warned that slashing Medicaid would lead to layoffs and burnout among UFCW members in hospitals and nursing homes.

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:52 PM EDT

Vance: ‘Promises made, promises kept!’

Vice President JD Vance said on X: "Congrats to everyone. At times I even doubted we'd get it done by July 4!"

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:50 PM EDT

Rep. Mark Harris backs Trump’s bill, calls it a win for families and farmers

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Representative Mark Harris of North Carolina voted Thursday to send the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill to President Trump's desk, calling it a major step forward for the "America First" agenda.

In a statement, Harris said the legislation would shield North Carolina families from a looming tax hike and return an estimated $1,700 to the average household. He also praised the bill's support for small businesses, farmers, and border security, including $175 billion in new funding for wall construction, ICE operations, and border patrol staffing.

Harris acknowledged the bill wasn't perfect, citing the Senate's removal of a ban on taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries, but said it still represented "the largest cost-savings in our nation's history." He highlighted provisions to cap student loan programs, enforce work requirements for public assistance, and defund Planned Parenthood.

"This is not the end of our work," Harris said, warning that continued overspending could threaten the country's financial future. He urged Republicans to stay focused on fiscal restraint in the months ahead.

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:46 PM EDT

House passes Trump’s tax bill in narrow vote after months of GOP turmoil

The House of Representatives narrowly passed President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill on Thursday, delivering a major legislative win just in time for the July 4 deadline he had set. The final vote was 218–214, with all but two Republicans voting in favor and every Democrat opposed.

The legislation, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, and boosts funding for immigration enforcement and defense. To offset the $4.5 trillion price tag, it slashes nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and reduces food assistance and clean energy programs.

Speaker Mike Johnson, who worked through the night to secure the votes, called the bill a turning point for the country. "This will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous," he said.

Democrats condemned the bill as a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of working families. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delayed the vote with a record-breaking 8-hour, 44-minute speech, calling the bill "an all-out assault" on vulnerable Americans.

Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on July 4, also known as Independence Day.

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:03 PM EDT

Speaker Johnson, running on no sleep, thanks Trump as bill nears passage

After more than 24 hours without rest, House Speaker Mike Johnson took to the floor Thursday morning looking visibly relieved as the House prepared to pass Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill.

Johnson, who has faced repeated internal rebellions and razor-thin margins throughout the legislative process, used his remarks to thank colleagues, White House officials, and Trump himself.

"There's always another fire to put out," Johnson said, acknowledging the chaos that has defined the bill's path. "But we got it done."

Jul 03, 2025 at 02:02 PM EDT

Speaker Johnson mocks Jeffries’ marathon speech, defends GOP bill

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House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back Thursday against Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' record-breaking floor speech, dismissing it as political theater and defending the Republican tax and spending bill it aimed to delay.

"There's no need for eight hours of distortion," Johnson said on the House floor, placing a large binder on his lectern in a jab at Jeffries' stack of constituent letters. "Ronald Reagan once said no speech should be longer than 20 minutes. I'm going to honor that."

Johnson accused Jeffries of using the extended remarks to mislead the public. "It takes a lot longer to build a lie than to tell the simple truth," he said.

Earlier, House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith also dismissed Jeffries' speech as "a bunch of hogwash," insisting it would not change the outcome of the vote.

A final vote on the bill is expected later Thursday.

Jul 03, 2025 at 01:47 PM EDT

Jeffries invokes scripture to condemn GOP-backed Trump bill

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries used biblical references Thursday to sharply criticize President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, accusing Republicans of betraying the very values they claim to uphold.

Without naming names, Jeffries appeared to target Trump's promotion of the "God Bless the USA" Bible—sold for $59.99 and endorsed by the former president—saying, "I don't know who I'm talking about, but if you sell the Bible, you should know the Bible."

Jeffries also drew a contrast between religious rhetoric and legislative action. "Got some folks in this town, they go to church and they pray on Sunday—P-R-A-Y. And then they come to Congress and they prey—P-R-E-Y—on the American people. I'm not down with that kind of faith," he said.

Quoting from Matthew 25, Jeffries recited Jesus' teachings on caring for the hungry, the sick, and the imprisoned, arguing that the GOP-backed bill does the opposite. "That's not what's happening in this One Big Ugly Bill," he said, referencing the legislation's deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance.

The remarks came during Jeffries' record-breaking floor speech, which has delayed a final vote on the bill for more than eight hours. The legislation is expected to pass with Republican support ahead of the July 4 holiday.

Jul 03, 2025 at 01:32 PM EDT

BREAKING: Jeffries sets House record with marathon speech delaying Trump tax bill

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries made history Thursday by delivering the longest speech ever recorded in the U.S. House of Representatives, speaking for more than eight and a half hours in a dramatic effort to delay a final vote on Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill.

Jeffries began his remarks at 4:53 a.m. ET, using the House's "magic minute" rule—which allows party leaders unlimited speaking time—to rail against the legislation's deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. His speech surpassed the previous record set by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2021.

Jul 03, 2025 at 01:11 PM EDT

When the Big Beautiful Bill would take effect if it gets through the House

Trump's sweeping domestic policy package—dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill"—is expected to be signed into law shortly after its final House vote. However, while some provisions will take effect immediately, others will not be felt for years.

According to reporting from NorthJersey.com, the bill's most controversial elements—such as Medicaid work requirements and significant safety net cuts—won't take effect until December 31, 2026. States will be required to implement new 80-hour-per-month work rules for able-bodied adults on Medicaid and SNAP by that deadline.

Other provisions, like the "no tax on tips and overtime" deduction, will be available sooner. Workers will still have taxes withheld throughout the year, but once the bill is signed, they'll be able to deduct up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime pay on their next tax return. That benefit is set to expire in 2028.

The bill also includes a $10,000 deduction for auto loan interest on U.S.-assembled vehicles, and a $6,000 deduction for low- and middle-income seniors. However, critics note that many low-income Americans may see little benefit if they already owe little or no federal income tax.

While the legislation delivers on several of Trump's campaign promises, its full impact—especially on health care and federal spending—will unfold gradually over the next several years.

Jul 03, 2025 at 12:56 PM EDT

McClain says GOP holdouts flipped after Trump promised more savings ahead

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said Thursday that GOP lawmakers who had initially resisted President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill were persuaded to support it after receiving assurances from the president that further cost-cutting measures would follow.

"They wanted to speak with the president and get assurances that we're not done," McClain said on Fox News. "That this process is still going to continue through rescission and other reconciliations." She added that Trump's commitment to "actual tax savings" helped win over skeptical members.

The comments came shortly after a procedural vote passed 219–213, with only one Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, joining Democrats in opposition. The narrow margin underscored the delicate balancing act GOP leaders faced in uniting their caucus behind the bill, which includes trillions in tax cuts and deep reductions to Medicaid and food assistance programs.

McClain's remarks reflect the behind-the-scenes negotiations that helped secure support from fiscal conservatives who had raised concerns about the bill's impact on the deficit. A final vote on the legislation is expected later today.

Jul 03, 2025 at 12:44 PM EDT

Crow says Democrats are slowing GOP bill to give Americans a voice

Representative Jason Crow, Democrat of Colorado, said Thursday that his party is deliberately slowing down the passage of Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill to give constituents a chance to weigh in.

"The reason why slowing it down is really important is because House Republicans, congressional Republicans really, haven't given Americans the opportunity to weigh in," Crow told CNN. "They've stopped holding town halls, largely. They're not responding to people's calls. They're jamming this through in the middle of the night."

Crow's comments came as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continued his extended floor speech, reading letters from Americans expressing concerns about the bill's impact on healthcare, food assistance, and rural hospitals.

Crow said Democrats are using the delay to engage directly with the public. "I've been spending the morning talking to my constituents, answering the phones in my office," he said. "We are listening to the American people because that's really what's important right now."

The bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is expected to receive a final vote once Jeffries yields the floor.

Jul 03, 2025 at 12:30 PM EDT

Johnson says GOP holdouts didn’t ‘cave,’ just needed time to review bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Republican lawmakers who initially opposed President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill. Still, he later agreed to support it, telling NBC News they "genuinely needed time to digest" the Senate's changes.

"I think a lot of them genuinely, a lot of members, genuinely needed time to digest what the Senate sent over," Johnson said. "We didn't have it for that long, and they deserve that amount of time to go through it and figure out the meaning and how it would be applied."

Johnson added that lawmakers consulted with Cabinet secretaries and agency attorneys to better understand the bill's implications. "They got a good grasp of what it was that they were voting on," he said. "That's an important part of the process."

Jul 03, 2025 at 12:15 PM EDT

Trump claims credit for falling egg prices, but data tells a mixed story

Trump took to social media Thursday to tout a drop in egg prices, claiming, "We brought the price of Eggs back to what they were supposed to be," and adding, "Now they're plentiful, and inexpensive. 'Thank you President Trump!'"

Jul 03, 2025 at 12:02 PM EDT

Johnson says GOP has the votes to pass Trump-backed bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday he is confident Republicans have secured the votes to pass President Donald Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, despite earlier resistance from within the party. The final vote is expected shortly after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries concludes his marathon floor speech.

"No, I don't think they caved," Johnson told NBC News, referring to GOP holdouts who had objected to the bill's deep Medicaid cuts and projected impact on the federal deficit. "A lot of members genuinely needed time to digest what the Senate sent over."

Johnson said lawmakers spent the past day consulting with administration officials and legal experts to better understand the bill's implications. "They got a good grasp of what it was that they were voting on," he added. "That's an important part of the process."

The bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, would extend Trump-era tax cuts, introduce new deductions, and slash funding for safety net programs. With a narrow majority, Republicans can afford to lose no more than three votes.

Once Jeffries yields the floor, Johnson is expected to close debate and call for a final vote, potentially delivering Trump a major legislative win ahead of the July 4 deadline.

Jul 03, 2025 at 11:48 AM EDT

Donald Trump second-most popular president of 21st century, poll finds

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Donald Trump now ranks as the second-most popular U.S. president of the 21st century, according to a new poll.

The latest Quantus Insights survey, conducted June 30-July 2 among 1,000 registered voters, shows that former President Barack Obama remains the most-favorably viewed U.S. president this century, but Trump ranks second, with 37 percent viewing him as their most favored president behind Obama's 47 percent.

George W. Bush trails Trump at 12 percent, while Joe Biden is viewed as the most favored president by 4 percent.

Quantus Insights polling is sponsored by right-wing news and commentary website Trending Politics and is rated as a Republican-leaning pollster. Quantus was also rated among the most accurate pollsters in swing states for 2024 by AtlasIntel and was placed in Activote's 20 Most Valuable Pollsters in 2024.

Read the full story by Martha McHardy on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 11:35 AM EDT

Clyde backs Trump bill after gun silencer provision is dropped

Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia, a Republican and gun store owner, announced Thursday that he will vote to approve President Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, despite the removal of a key gun rights provision he had championed.

Clyde had initially withheld support over the Senate's decision to strike a measure that would have eased federal regulations on firearm suppressors, also known as silencers. The provision—included initially in the House version at Clyde's request—would have removed suppressors from the National Firearms Act, eliminating a $200 tax and additional registration requirements. But the Senate parliamentarian ruled it out of order under reconciliation rules.

In a social media post, Clyde stated that he spoke directly with President Trump and received assurances that the administration would work with him to revisit the issue. "While I'm disappointed the suppressor provision was removed, I remain committed to restoring our Second Amendment rights," he wrote. "In the meantime, I will vote yes to advance President Trump's broader agenda."

The bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes trillions in tax cuts and major reductions to federal safety net programs. Clyde's support helps solidify GOP backing as the House prepares for a final vote.

Jul 03, 2025 at 11:23 AM EDT

Supreme Court declines to revive Montana parental consent abortion law

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday declined to hear an appeal from Montana officials seeking to reinstate a 2013 state law requiring minors to obtain parental consent before receiving an abortion. The law, which never took effect due to ongoing litigation, was struck down by the Montana Supreme Court last year as a violation of the state constitution's right to privacy.

Montana argued that the law was justified by the constitutional rights of parents to be involved in their children's medical decisions. But the state's high court ruled that the measure failed strict scrutiny and infringed on a minor's fundamental right to make reproductive choices.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision leaves that ruling in place. In a statement, Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, stated that the case was a "poor vehicle" for resolving broader questions about parental rights, but emphasized that the denial should not be seen as an outright rejection of those arguments.

A separate Montana law requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortions remains in effect. Abortion remains legal in the state, and voters in 2024 approved a constitutional amendment explicitly protecting reproductive rights.

Jul 03, 2025 at 11:07 AM EDT

Jeffries passes six hours in floor speech

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries surpassed the six-hour mark Thursday morning in his marathon floor speech opposing Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill. Speaking under the House's "magic minute" rule, Jeffries condemned the legislation's $175 billion boost to immigration enforcement and border security, calling it "an all-out assault on law-abiding immigrant families."

"This is unconscionable, unacceptable, and it's un-American," Jeffries said, as he continued reading from a binder of letters submitted by constituents across the country.

Jul 03, 2025 at 11:06 AM EDT

Schatz says Democrats must tie GOP policies to real-world pain

Senator Brian Schatz, Democrat of Hawaii, said Thursday that Democrats must directly link the consequences of the newly passed Republican domestic policy bill to the lawmakers who supported it. Speaking shortly after the bill's expected passage, Schatz framed the legislation as a political liability for the GOP heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

"Our job is to point out, when kids get less to eat, when rural hospitals shutter, when the price of electricity goes up, that this is because of what your Republican elected official did," Schatz said in a brief New York Times interview. "This is their fault, and they own all of it."

The bill, a central piece of President Donald Trump's second-term agenda, includes sweeping tax cuts and deep reductions to Medicaid, food assistance, and other safety net programs. While Republicans have touted it as a pro-growth package, Democrats argue it will disproportionately harm low-income and working-class Americans.

Jul 03, 2025 at 10:50 AM EDT

Jeffries highlights small business risks under GOP health care cuts

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continued his extended floor speech Thursday by shifting focus to small business owners, warning that President Trump's domestic policy bill could jeopardize their access to affordable health care.

"Small business represents the heart and soul of the American economy," Jeffries said, arguing that the bill's changes to the Affordable Care Act would undermine the insurance exchanges that many entrepreneurs rely on. The 2010 law allowed individuals to leave traditional jobs and start businesses without losing health coverage—freedom, Jeffries says, is now at risk.

Jeffries accused Republicans of pushing a "lie ... that the everyday Americans who are participating in, have access to programs like the Affordable Care Act aren't worthy." His remarks are part of a broader Democratic effort to frame the bill as a threat to working families, small businesses, and rural communities.

Jul 03, 2025 at 10:41 AM EDT

Jeffries delivers third longest House speech in protest of Trump bill

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries officially entered the congressional record books Thursday morning, delivering the third-longest speech in House history as he railed against Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill.

Jeffries began speaking at 4:53 a.m. ET and passed the four-hour mark, using the House's "magic minute" rule to extend his remarks indefinitely.

Jul 03, 2025 at 10:29 AM EDT

Johnson says GOP ‘ready to roll’ as Jeffries delays vote with marathon speech

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House Speaker Mike Johnson said Thursday morning that Republicans are "excited" to pass President Donald Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill—if only House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries would yield the floor.

"We're excited to get this done," Johnson told reporters. "If Hakeem would stop talking, we'll get the job done for the American people. It takes a lot longer to build a lie than to tell the truth, so he's really spinning a long tale in there."

Jeffries has been speaking for hours under the House's "magic minute" rule, using the time to criticize the bill's deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. His remarks have delayed a final vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republicans hope to pass before the July 4 holiday.

"The sooner we can get to it, the sooner the Democrats will stop talking," Johnson added. "We're really excited about it. I'm ready to roll."

Despite the delay, Johnson expressed confidence that Republicans have the votes to pass the bill, which would extend Trump-era tax cuts and enact new deductions while slashing federal safety net spending.

Jul 03, 2025 at 10:14 AM EDT

Trump: ‘The USA is the ‘HOTTEST’ Country in the World’

Trump said on Truth Social this morning: "What a great night it was. One of the most consequential Bills ever. The USA is the "HOTTEST" Country in the World, by far!!!"

Jul 03, 2025 at 09:57 AM EDT

What to know about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a sweeping reconciliation package that advances Trump's domestic policy agenda. It includes major tax reforms, spending cuts, and regulatory changes across multiple sectors. The bill passed the House and Senate along party lines and is positioned as a cornerstone of Trump's second-term legislative goals.

Key Provisions:

• Tax Cuts and Credits:

  • Permanently extends $4.5 trillion in Trump-era tax cuts.

  • Introduces new deductions, including:

    • Tax-free treatment of tips and overtime pay.
    • A $6,000 deduction for older adults earning under $75,000.

  • Expands the child tax credit and small business deductions.

  • Ends certain green energy tax credits and limits foreign-linked tax benefits.

• Social Safety Net Changes:

  • Imposes stricter work requirements for SNAP (food stamps), raising the age limit and narrowing exemptions.
  • Reduces federal funding for SNAP administration and eliminates nutrition education programs.
  • Caps Medicaid matching funds and shifts more cost burden to states.

• Spending and Regulatory Reforms:

  • Cuts funding for various federal programs, including education and housing.
  • Increases defense spending and border security funding, including for ICE and the border wall.
  • Prohibits federal health coverage for gender transition procedures starting in 2027.

• Other Notable Measures:

  • Introduces a tax on remittance transfers sent abroad.
  • Reforms student loan repayment plans and limits eligibility for federal aid.
  • Invests in aviation infrastructure and energy development, including oil and gas leasing on federal lands.

Jul 03, 2025 at 09:44 AM EDT

Democrats denounce Trump bill as ‘trickle down cruelty’

House Democrats are intensifying their criticism of President Donald Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of the nation's most vulnerable. As the House moves toward a final vote, Democratic lawmakers have unified in opposition, branding the legislation "trickle down cruelty."

"Have you no shame?" asked Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., during floor debate. "Have the moral courage to oppose this bill."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continued his marathon speech Thursday morning, reading letters from Americans who rely on federal health care and nutrition programs. He warned that the proposed cuts would have devastating consequences for families nationwide.

Jul 03, 2025 at 09:31 AM EDT

Johnson vows to ‘plow through’ as Trump’s tax bill nears final vote

House Speaker Mike Johnson emerged from late-night negotiations vowing to push forward with President Donald Trump's sweeping domestic policy package, despite internal GOP divisions and a razor-thin vote margin.

"Our way is to plow through and get it done," Johnson told reporters after a series of closed-door meetings with Republican lawmakers. The House is expected to vote on the bill Thursday morning, aiming to meet Trump's self-imposed July 4 deadline.

At the heart of the legislation is a $4.5 trillion extension of Trump-era tax cuts, along with new provisions such as deductions for tips, overtime pay, and a $6,000 tax break for older adults earning under $75,000. Republicans argue the bill will boost the economy and provide relief to working families.

Democrats, however, warn that the tax savings will be offset by deep cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and other safety net programs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add over $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

With only a few votes to spare, Johnson and Trump have been working the phones to shore up support, as even minor defections could derail the legislation.

Jul 03, 2025 at 09:18 AM EDT

Trump resumes public schedule as House nears final vote on tax bill

After a day of behind-the-scenes negotiations with House Republicans, Trump is returning to the public eye Thursday as lawmakers prepare for a final vote on his sweeping tax and spending bill.

Trump's official schedule includes a late-morning intelligence briefing, followed by a meeting with Edan Alexander, an American recently freed from captivity by Hamas. In the evening, he will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, where he is set to deliver remarks at a 250th anniversary celebration of the United States.

The president's reappearance comes as House Republicans race to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act before their self-imposed July 4 deadline. The legislation, which includes significant tax cuts, deep Medicaid reductions, and new immigration enforcement measures, has faced resistance from both Democrats and some conservative Republicans.

Trump spent Wednesday off the public schedule, meeting privately with GOP lawmakers to shore up support. With the House vote expected as soon as Thursday evening, his presence on the trail signals a final push to secure a legislative win.

Jul 03, 2025 at 09:05 AM EDT

Jeffries surpasses four hours in marathon speech against Trump bill

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been speaking for more than four hours, using the House's "magic minute" rule to delay a final vote on Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Jeffries began his speech at 4:53 a.m. ET and continued well into the morning, surpassing the four-hour mark as Republicans pushed to meet their self-imposed July 4 deadline for passage.

Jul 03, 2025 at 09:02 AM EDT

Evers signs budget in early morning sprint to secure Medicaid funds

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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a $111 billion two-year state budget just after 1 a.m. Thursday, racing to beat a looming federal deadline that could have cost the state billions in Medicaid funding. The rapid turnaround—less than 24 hours from introduction to enactment—was driven by a provision in President Trump's proposed federal budget that would cap how much states can collect in hospital assessment fees used to draw federal Medicaid matches.

To lock in the higher rate before the cap takes effect, Wisconsin lawmakers passed the budget with unprecedented speed. The Senate approved it Wednesday night, and the Assembly followed hours later. Evers signed it minutes after the final vote.

The budget raises the state's hospital assessment rate from 1.8% to the federal maximum of 6%, unlocking an estimated $1.5 billion in federal funds for rural hospitals. It also includes $1.4 billion in income tax cuts, eliminates sales tax on residential electric bills, and increases fees for vehicle registration and licensing.

Though many Democrats opposed the bill for falling short on education and child care funding, Evers called it a necessary compromise. "Most Wisconsinites would say that compromise is a good thing because that is how government is supposed to work," he said.

The budget passed with bipartisan support, aided by newly redrawn legislative maps that narrowed Republican majorities and gave Democrats more leverage in negotiations.

Jul 03, 2025 at 08:48 AM EDT

Congressional leaders have a long history of long speeches—Jeffries is the latest

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' extended floor speech today drew comparisons to some of the longest speeches in congressional history, invoking the tradition of the so-called "magic minute" — a procedural allowance that lets party leaders speak for as long as they wish.

In 2018, then-Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi set a House record by speaking for 8 hours and 7 minutes in support of undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers. That record was surpassed in 2021 by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, who spoke for 8 hours and 32 minutes to delay a vote on President Biden's Build Back Better Act.

Jeffries' speech also drew parallels to a more recent Senate milestone. In April 2025, Senator Cory Booker delivered the longest speech in Senate history, holding the floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes to protest Trump's policies. His address broke the previous record set by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1957.

While Jeffries' remarks have not yet reached those historic lengths, they reflect a growing trend of party leaders using floor time to make high-profile political statements, often with national implications.

Jul 03, 2025 at 08:35 AM EDT

Speaker Johnson says Fitzpatrick may vote no on Trump-backed bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged Thursday morning that he may lose the support of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the only Republican who voted against advancing President Donald Trump's sweeping policy bill to a final vote.

"I talked with him at length. Brian is a great, good, trusted friend, and he just has convictions about certain provisions in the bill. He's entitled to that," Johnson told reporters outside the House chamber.

Fitzpatrick, who represents a politically divided district in Pennsylvania, broke with his party during the procedural vote earlier Thursday, joining all Democrats in opposition. He had previously supported the House version of the bill in May.

Pressed on whether he expects Fitzpatrick to oppose the final version, Johnson said, "He may. We'll have to see what he does. I'm not sure."

With a razor-thin GOP majority, Johnson can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes if all members are present. The final vote on the bill—centered on tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and spending reductions—is expected later today.

Asked whether Trump might offer executive actions to secure support from conservative holdouts, Johnson replied, "I'm not sure. We'll have to see."

Jul 03, 2025 at 08:22 AM EDT

GOP lawmaker swayed by Jeffries’ speech, says JD Vance

Vice President JD Vance shared on social media that a Republican congressman changed his stance on a key bill after watching House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speak.

"I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries' performance and now I'm a firm yes," the unnamed lawmaker reportedly texted Vance, according to a tweet.

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 08:08 AM EDT

Donald Trump fumes at Republican rebellion over his bill: ‘Ridiculous’

President Donald Trump has lashed out at House Republicans who are still refusing to support his One Big Beautiful Bill Act as his July 4 deadline approaches.

The bill's multitrillion-dollar expansion of the federal deficit is a key concern for the few Republicans in Congress who remain undecided.

"FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!" the president wrote on Truth Social in the early hours of Thursday.

In a previous post, he wrote: "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??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT'S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!"

Newsweek contacted House Speaker Mike Johnson's office for comment via email on Thursday outside regular office hours.

Read the full story by James Bickerton and Shane Croucher on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 08:01 AM EDT

Hakeem Jeffries is still speaking after three hours

Hakeem Jeffries is still speaking about Medicaid as his "magic minute" speech stretches past the three-hour mark.

"We care about their health, we care about their safety, we care about their wellbeing," the Democrat said of Americans, in contrast to Republicans.

He said he will continue to defend Obamacare on the House floor.

Jeffries has so far name-checked several Democratic presidents in his speech, including Barack Obama, Lyndon B. Johnson and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Jul 03, 2025 at 07:48 AM EDT

A look at Republican opposition to the bill

The One Big Beautiful Bill had faced some Republican opposition. Three Republican senators, Maine's Susan Collins, North Carolina's Thom Tillis and Kentucky's Rand Paul voted against the bill in the Senate.

In the House, some fiscal conservatives in the freedom caucus, such as Chip Roy, have expressed their resistance to the legislation, initially blocking it at the budget committee stage. On Monday Roy said that the chances the bill will be passed were "a hell of a lot lower than they were even 48 hours" based on the changes made to it in the Senate.

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene had too voiced concerns over the bill because it includes a provision that would ban states from regulating artificial intelligence. She told Steve Bannon's War Room podcast that the fight to stop the bill's passage was "far from over" and said "there's no way" it would pass in the House.

Both voted in favor of advancing the bill.

Jul 03, 2025 at 07:23 AM EDT

No tax on tips: What to know

Taxes on overtime pay will be stopped if "the one big, beautiful bill" passes.

The "no tax on tips" provision within the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act allows tipped workers to deduct tip income from their federal taxable income, up to $25,000 annually.

The deduction phases out for individuals earning more than $150,000 and couples earning over $300,000.

The deduction, if signed into law as part of the bill, applies to tax years 2025 through 2028 and does not eliminate payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare, nor does it affect state or local tax obligations.

Trump claimed this would be an incentive to work and help companies attract employees. Opponents have raised concerns about a loss in revenues for the federal government.

Read more on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 07:04 AM EDT

Social-media users react to Jeffries’ magic minute speech as it passes two hours

On social media, people reacted to Hakeem Jeffries' speech as it passed the two-hour mark.

Conservative journalist Nick Sortor called Jeffries' use of the "magic minute" rule a "stunt full of crocodile tears" and accused Jeffries of "whining on the House floor."

Conservative internet personality Paul A. Szypula, told his 330,000 followers that Jeffries was trying "to delay the final House vote" by what he characterized as rambling.

"Jeffries is actually mad b/c illegals and freeloaders will lose Medicaid," he wrote.

However, others showed Jeffries their support. New Mexico Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez said Jeffries was "speaking the truth on the House floor" to show how the bill "will make regular Americans more hungry, sicker, and poorer." "The stakes couldn't be higher," she wrote.

Another X user wrote: "Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is Spartacus," in reference to the famous historical rebel.

The speaker rebuked some House representatives for interrupting Jeffries, two hours into his speech. "As the caffeine kicks in please take your conversations outside the chamber or in the cloakroom," he said, to some laughter in the chamber.

Jul 03, 2025 at 06:55 AM EDT

Jeffries passes two-hour mark as he continues to thwart Trump and GOP

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said he was about a half-way through sharing stories from Americans who have benefited from Medicaid.

The Democrat says he has more to say on this legislation's "attack" on nutrition, on farmers, on small business and "the unprecedented assault" on U.S. veterans.

"I will tell those stories," he says, amid applause from Democrats behind him.

Jul 03, 2025 at 06:45 AM EDT

What is the bill’s impact on health and income?

Ten million people will lose their health insurance if the bill is passed, according to KFF data. Of these, the majority will likely be in California, Florida, New York, and Texas. Newsweek created a map to show the states most impacted by the bill's health insurance proposals.

According to Yale University's Budget Lab, people in the lowest income bracket will see their incomes drop by 2.5 percent, while the highest earners will see their incomes rise by 2.2 percent.

Read more on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 06:36 AM EDT

DNC plans swipe at Trump and Ernst in Iowa

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is planning to place a billboard slamming Trump and Republican Senator Joni Ernst for their support of the bill outside the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines—where the president is scheduled to speak on Thursday.

In an exclusive statement to Newsweek, DNC Chair Ken Martin, said: "As Trump prepares to visit the Iowa fairgrounds today, Iowans will be reminded that Republicans like Trump and Ernst don't give a damn about whether their own constituents live or die as long as the richest few get richer. Iowans will hold Republicans like Ernst accountable in the 2026 midterms."

Read more on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 06:27 AM EDT

Who else is against the bill?

As well as attracting a backlash from Democrats, one of the bill's most vocal opponents is President Donald Trump's former adviser Elon Musk.

The billionaire businessman has suggested forming a new party in response to the package, which he called "political suicide" and "utterly insane and destructive" for raising the debt ceiling.

Read more on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:55 AM EDT

Jeffries has been speaking for more than an hour now

The House minority leader has now been speaking on the floor for over an hour as he shares stories about Americans who have said they benefitted from Medicaid.

Just head of the one-hour mark, a member of the House attempted to interrupt Jeffries' speech, causing the speaker to interject. It was unclear who heckled the Democrat.

"I feel an obligation to stand on this house floor and take my sweet time," Jeffries said, indicating his intention to speak "on behalf of every single American" and delay the vote.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:44 AM EDT

Jeffries’ is sharing many stories about Americans’ experience of healthcare

According to government data, some 72 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicaid, about one-fifth of the total U.S. population.

The One Big Beautiful Bill would reduce Department of Health and Human Services budget by $880 billion over 10 years, which would include cuts to Medicaid alongside other measures such as implementing work requirements.

The CBO estimates that the bill would result in 11.8 million people losing health insurance by 2034, with the majority of those people losing coverage from Medicaid.

The bill would also create a work requirement for some Medicaid beneficiaries ages 19 to 64.

Those who support the bill argue that these cuts will eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:34 AM EDT

What is the magic minute rule?

In the U.S. House, leaders get a procedural perk called the "magic minute."

When the Speaker, majority leader or minority leader is recognized for a nominal one-minute speech at the end of debate, precedent treats that minute as elastic: they may keep the floor indefinitely until they voluntarily yield.

Because it is a custom rather than a codified rule, ordinary members remain bound by Rule XVII's strict limits, but leadership can use the privilege to spell out party arguments or simply run the clock.

Famous uses include Nancy Pelosi's eight-hour 2018 immigration speech and Kevin McCarthy's 8-hour-32-minute marathon in 2021.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:24 AM EDT

Jeffries shares stories from Americans as he continues to speak

As his speech passes the 30 minute mark, Hakeem Jeffries has opened a binder and is sharing stories of struggling Americans who he said would be impacted by the bill, if it is passed.

He spoke about a man called Garret from Arizona who has cerebral palsy. While he said Medicaid helped him access life-enhancing surgery, he said Garret was "worried" about these programs being taken away if the bill is passed, changing those who are eligible for the health insurance scheme.

As a party leader, Jeffries has the right to speak for as long as wants during a debate. He could potentially delay the vote on the bill.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:17 AM EDT

Hakeem Jeffries calls bill an “all-out assault” on America

In his own lengthy speech, Scalise's opposite number across the aisle says that the One Big Beautiful Bill was an "all-out assault" on ordinary Americans' health and finances.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the legislation the "one big ugly bill."

"Never in my time here in Congress have I experienced legislation that benefits so few people who fall into the category of the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected, but at the same time hurts everyday Americans who we should be trying to help," Jeffries said at one point in his speech

"Shame on the people who decided to launch that kind of all-out assault on the health and the well-being of everyday Americans," he also said.

While other members of the House of Representatives have time limits on the length of time they can speak during debates, leaders of each party may speak for as long as they want and can therefore delay votes on legislation.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:02 AM EDT

Who gets a tax break and how much?

Non partisan group the Tax Policy Center predicted that the bill would result next year in a $150 tax break for the lowest quintile of Americans, a $1,750 tax cut for the middle quintile and a $10,950 tax cut for the top quintile.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:53 AM EDT

Steve Scalise gives long, impassioned speech on the House floor

Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana gave perhaps the longest speech so far of the debate, delivering an impassioned defense of the One Big Beautiful Bill that he said would usher in a new "golden age" for the U.S.

"America's ready for a rebirth," he said, and accused Democrats of "hiding behind billionaires."

Scalise added that anyone who votes no will have to explain that vote to the waitress earning $32,000 a year, who he said would benefit from no tax on tips.

Republicans applauded him as he sat down, after promising the bill would "restore" America.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:47 AM EDT

Watch: Jim McGovern accuses Republicans of “jamming bill down our throat”

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:38 AM EDT

Watch: Hakeem Jeffries urges Republicans to stand up against ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:32 AM EDT

Sanchez: “One big steaming pile of crap”

California Democrat Linda Sanchez called the bill "one big steaming pile of crap" and urged Republicans, who she said were folding "like cheap lawn chairs" to vote against it.

"It's not too late to do what's right," she said.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:31 AM EDT

Major themes emerging on both sides of the aisle

Throughout this debate, Republicans have lauded permanent tax cuts that they say will benefit the average American family and make their lives better by "unleashing economic growth." Many have said it is essential to advance President Donald Trump's agenda.

Democrats meanwhile have said repeatedly that it guts healthcare for ordinary Americans and benefits billionaires while adding trillions to the national debt.

Several Democrats have urged House colleagues to vote "Hell no."

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:26 AM EDT

ICYMI: The CBO estimated bill would add $3.3 trillion to the deficit

The more than 1,000 page One Big Beautiful Bill includes about $4.9 trillion in tax breaks, budget cuts, and new work requirements for Medicaid, among other budgetary changes.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit in the next decade.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:19 AM EDT

Republican Jason Smith says bill restores “sanity in a town that’s lost it”

Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Jason Smith spoke in favor of the bill, laying out how Americans will benefit.

"Families win," he said, "Young Americans win."

Smith said the bill was "for the people who don't have lobbyists" in Washington, D.C., such as farmers, nurses, truck drivers and welders.

He added that the bill restores "sanity in a town that's lost it."

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:16 AM EDT

Representative Jodey Arrington says the bill unleashes “a rising tide of prosperity”

Texas Republican Jodey Arrington said the legislation "reclaims" the promises made by America's founding fathers.

"It is the principle vehicle for advancing President Trump's America First agenda, unleashing a rising tide of prosperity, securing our border, modernizing our national defense and supercharging energy," he said.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:08 AM EDT

Kentucky Democrat Morgan McGarvey calls bill “indefensible”

Kentucky Democrat Morgan McGarvey called voting for the bill "indefensible" in a speech on the house floor. He argued that voting for the bill would increase national debt for the sake of tax cuts.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:06 AM EDT

What’s in the Senate version of the bill?

Here's a reminder of what's in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill that the House is currently debating.

• Makes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent – and locks in a bigger basic standard deduction for good. The core individual-rate cuts would no longer sunset, and the Senate text keeps the nearly-doubled standard deduction instead of letting it expire at year-end.
• Pumps $46 billion into border-wall construction and another $75 billion-plus for detention beds, ICE hiring and other immigration enforcement. A new $100 asylum-application fee survives after the parliamentarian nixed the House's $1,000 proposal.
• Raises the SALT cap to $40,000 for five years, then snaps back to $10,000. This temporary boost was a key ask of blue-state Republicans.
• Expands the child tax credit to $2,200 per child on a permanent basis (the House wanted $2,500).
• Creates a "no-tax-on-tips & overtime" deduction worth up to $25,000 through 2028, phasing out above $150k/$300k (single/joint) income.
• Tightens Medicaid: nationwide work requirements, steeper provider-tax cuts (to 3.5 % by 2032) and a new $50 billion rural-hospital stabilization fund.
• Shifts some SNAP costs to states and raises the work-requirement age ceiling from 54 to 64.
• Lifts the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, bundling the issue into reconciliation so the Senate can bypass a 60-vote fight later this summer.

Jul 03, 2025 at 04:02 AM EDT

Nancy Pelosi lets rip on Republicans: “You should be ashamed of yourselves”

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, took the floor to shame Republicans for making cuts to education and scientific investment while "mocking" Democrats for wanting to spend on those areas.

"I want to remind all of them that tax cuts are expenditure," she said, gesturing across the House floor. "The biggest spending to the the tune of $5 trillion added to national debt to give tax cuts to wealthiest" at the expense of our children."

"You should be ashamed of yourselves for mocking spending on education," Pelosi added.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:56 AM EDT

A “big bonanza bill for billionaires”

Democratic Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio slams the legislation as "a big bloated bonanza bill for billionaires" that will make life harder for Americans.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:54 AM EDT

The House is now debating the bill ahead of a vote

Republican Mike Rogers, chairman of the Armed Services Committee praised the One Big Beautiful Bill and said it would deliver President Donald Trump's "peace through strength agenda."

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:50 AM EDT

The One Big Beautiful Bill could kill professional gambling

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act that narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday contains an amendment altering gambling tax rules, making it harder for winners to reap profits.

A section of the Senate's 940-page version of the bill limits the amount gamblers are able to deduct from their winnings to 90 percent of losses.

This means that if a gambler wins $100,000 in a tax year while also losing $100,000, they would be required to pay $10,000 in tax despite breaking even, rather than zero tax paid under current regulations.

Read more on Newsweek.

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:40 AM EDT

Derrick Van Orden: “I will not be summoned by a bunch of Donald Trump hating b****** to vote.”

In the very early hours of Thursday, Wisconsin Republican Derrick Van Orden expressed frustration on X, writing " I will not be summoned by a bunch of Donald Trump hating b****** to vote."

Van Orden added he would be available to vote "starting at -08:00 ish."

View this post on X

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:28 AM EDT

Trump lashed out at Republicans on Truth Social

As lawmakers prepared to cast their votes on the legislation, President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to drum up last minute support.

In one post he wrote: "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??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT'S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!"

"FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE," he said in another post. "RIDICULOUS!!!"

Jul 03, 2025 at 03:18 AM EDT

GOP plan would allow larger tax-free wealth transfers

Republicans are keen to permanently expand the federal estate tax exemption, allowing ultra-wealthy families to pass down even more of their assets without triggering tax liabilities.

A measure in the sprawling One Big Beautiful Bill Act currently moving through Congress would raise the exemption threshold starting in 2026 to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for married couples—up from the current $13.99 million and $27.98 million. The new thresholds would then adjust for inflation in future years.

These higher limits would replace the current provisions under the 2017 Trump tax law, which temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption but is set to expire at the end of 2025.

Read more on Newsweek.

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