In a narrow and fraught victory, President Donald Trump and GOP leaders managed to push a $3.3 trillion domestic policy bill through Congress, a move sure to ignite fresh political battles.
At a Glance
- House Republicans narrowly passed a major legislative package championed by Trump.
- The bill extends 2017 tax cuts, increases military funding, and cuts welfare programs.
- Dramatic divisions and debates underscore the bill’s contentious nature.
- Trump’s relentless influence was pivotal in securing GOP backing for the bill.
The Bill’s Contentious Journey
The passage of the $3.3 trillion domestic policy bill, often dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” symbolizes a significant win for the Trump administration. With a razor-thin margin of 218-214 votes, the bill advanced thanks to the tireless efforts of Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. These leaders faced internal party divisions and intense debates centered around the bill’s massive deficit implications.
President Donald Trump secured a sweeping shift in US domestic policy as the House passed a $3.4 trillion fiscal package that cuts taxes, curtails spending on safety-net programs and reversed much of Joe Biden’s efforts to move the country toward a clean-energy economy… pic.twitter.com/2YQp2zZV7I
— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) July 3, 2025
The measure pushes for extensions of the 2017 tax cuts, heightened Pentagon funding, and tighter immigration controls. Meanwhile, it proposes deep cuts to low-income health and nutrition programs, stirring Democratic discontent and warnings from opponents about potential societal repercussions.
Watch a report: Congress passes Trump’s massive domestic policy bill
Trump’s Pivotal Influence
Trump’s influence was unmistakably the linchpin in the bill’s success. By leveraging his understanding of the political landscape, he cajoled and negotiated with skeptical GOP members, pushing the bill forward despite the fierce deficit critiques and conservative dissent.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership style, described by himself as “servant leadership,” was integral in swaying Republican holdouts. He noted, “Some of you openly laughed at me when I said we’d pass it by Memorial Day.”
Impacts and Reactions
The legislation is already fueling the upcoming election campaign’s rhetoric. Republicans hail the decision as crucial for national security and economic growth, while Democrats decry the cuts to social programs. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ record-breaking speech epitomizes the deep-set opposition, cautioning that “people will die” from the changes.
As the bill is poised to hit Trump’s desk, the passage marks a key victory for the GOP, emphasized by Rep. Ralph Norman’s assertion, “It would have never happened without Donald Trump.” The President’s continuous engagement was lauded by his allies, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who stated, “Donald Trump absolutely was our closer, and Donald Trump never stopped.”
