House Republicans pushed President Donald Trump’s signature legislative package to the brink of passage early Thursday morning, after a tense overnight session marked by deep intra-party divisions and last-minute vote wrangling. The so-called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which bundles sweeping tax cuts with a slate of Trump’s core policy priorities, advanced with a 219-213 vote shortly before dawn.
The push to bring the bill to a final vote stretched into the early hours not due to procedural delays, but because of a fractured Republican caucus. Several GOP lawmakers initially opposed moving the bill forward, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) into a high-stakes scramble. By midnight, Johnson declared the vote would remain open indefinitely as he lobbied holdouts — aided directly by Trump, who applied pressure via social media.
“Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy,” Trump posted as the standoff dragged on. “What are Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY.” Johnson eventually secured the necessary support, flipping one of the original opponents, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), and credited Trump for playing an active role in helping close the deal.
However, even after the procedural hurdle was cleared, the final vote on the bill was delayed by a marathon speech from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). The Democratic leader began speaking after the rule passed and, hours later, continued to hold the floor. Though expected to speak briefly, Jeffries made clear his intentions: “I’m planning to take my sweet time.” Under House rules, he can delay proceedings but not block a final vote.
Jeffries used his floor time to spotlight stories from Americans relying on Medicaid and other government programs, arguing that elements of Trump’s bill threaten vital services. Nevertheless, Johnson said the House would likely vote soon, keeping Trump’s self-imposed Independence Day deadline within reach.
The legislation, long a priority for Trump, consolidates his agenda into a single omnibus-style package. It includes significant tax cuts, funding for various campaign promises, and trade-related measures. Trump claims the bill will unleash economic expansion, arguing that growth alone will offset concerns about the deficit. “Nobody wants to talk about GROWTH,” he said. “THIS GROWTH has already begun at levels never seen before… We are growing our way out of the Sleepy Joe Biden MESS.”
As debate continued past 9 a.m., some Republicans were reportedly persuaded to support the bill by the length and tone of Jeffries’ speech. Vice President JD Vance shared a text from a GOP lawmaker that read, “I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries’ performance and now I’m a firm yes.”
