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By Sonam Sheth
Evening Politics Editor
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A Democratic congressman was chided Wednesday after he accused Republicans of "s*******" on the middle class by trying to shepherd the One Big Beautiful Bill Act through the House of Representatives after it passed the Senate by the barest of margins.
Why It Matters
The episode underscored the deep tensions surrounding President Donald Trump's flagship legislation, officially named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which has drawn sharp rebuke from Democrats as well as some Republicans ahead of a looming self-imposed July 4 deadline for final passage.
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The Trump-backed bill aims to make permanent sweeping tax cuts passed during Trump's first term that disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans. It also increases funding for border security and immigration enforcement.
The tax cuts and immigration initiatives are paid for largely by deep spending reductions in Medicaid and food assistance programs, which critics say harm working-class, elderly and low-income Americans.
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What To Know
On Wednesday, while the legislation was being debated in the House of Representatives, Democratic Representative Josh Riley delivered an impassioned speech accusing his colleagues across the aisle of "s******* on the middle class."
"Where I come from, we make things," the New York congressman said. "Generations woke up before the crack of dawn, went off to the factory, punched a clock, worked their hands to the bone, came home and counted nickels to make sure they could keep a roof over their kids' heads, keep food on the kids' tables."
He went on: "All we've asked for is a fair shot and for this place to stop screwing us over. But you can't help yourselves. You got us into terrible trade deals that made Wall Street rich and shipped all of our jobs overseas. You bail out the banks while neglecting rural America. You rigged the economy so the corporate [political action committees] that are funding your campaigns make huge profits, jacking up costs on folks who can't afford it."
"And now this. This bill will kill good, blue-collar manufacturing jobs that we need to rebuild the economy in this country," Riley said. "It closes rural hospitals. It defunds healthcare. All to give trillions of dollars in tax cuts to your cronies."
He concluded: "Don't tell me you give a s*** about the middle class when all you are doing is s******* on the middle class."
Republican Representative Steve Womack, the debate chairman, stepped in to warn Riley over his language, telling his colleague to "avoid vulgar speak" and adding, "We do have families."
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act 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 measure eked out a victory in the Senate, but only after Vice President JD Vance stepped in to cast a tiebreaking vote after three Republican senators—Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine—broke ranks and voted it down.
Trump's flagship legislation faces an uphill battle in the House as well given that a number of Republican lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the Senate-passed version of the bill.
The president says he's confident the bill will make it to his desk but has acknowledged it may take a fight.
"It's very complicated stuff," he said. "I don't want to go too crazy with cuts. I don't like cuts."
What People Are Saying
When Trump was told some House Republicans said they cannot support the Senate's version of the bill, he responded: "It's a great bill ... and I think it's going to go very nicely in the House. I think it's going to go easier in the House."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer didn't mince words, saying: "Republicans are in shambles because they know the bill is so unpopular."
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon lashed out at Republicans for not playing more offense amid widespread Democratic pushback, saying on his "War Room" podcast Wednesday: "They have no Republicans over there [on the House floor]. How can that possibly be? Right now, you're seeing the 2026—this is the midterms. You're hearing it all right here. You should be up firing back on these Democrats. They got their pitch down. I wanted you to hear the pitch. I know it upset many of you and it's going to upset many of you because this is what you're going to hear through Election Day of 2026."
What Happens Next
The House voted along party lines to close debate on the rule for the Senate-passed spending bill on Wednesday afternoon and officially debate on the legislation. Trump has given Congress until Friday, July 4, to get the bill to his desk for a final signature.
Update 7/2/25, 6:13 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and context.
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