House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has begun speaking in the House chamber just before 5 a.m., potentially prolonging the vote on President Donald Trump’s $3.3 trillion ‘big, beautiful bill.’ His speech, which may continue for hours, could temporarily halt the legislative process. The legislation, which includes provisions for tax cuts, work requirements for welfare programs, and a debt ceiling increase, has faced internal GOP challenges that threatened to derail the bill before it could reach the floor for a full vote.
Despite the opposition from several conservative lawmakers, including members of the House Freedom Caucus, the bill advanced with a narrow vote in the House after considerable negotiation. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., hailed the vote as a significant victory, although the fight is far from over. The bill’s provisions, which include extending tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and reducing the costs for certain benefits, have drawn criticism from Democrats who view the measures as a tax giveaway to the wealthy while cutting support for working-class Americans.
Meanwhile, the bill’s path through Congress remains fraught with challenges as procedural votes and partisan divisions could still prolong its consideration. The Senate passed its version of the bill during a marathon session, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote to secure passage. However, Republican leaders expressed frustration with the Senate’s modifications, urging their members to support the measure for the sake of bipartisanship. President Trump, who has been a vocal advocate for the bill, has called for House Republicans to unite and finalize the legislation before the July 4th holiday to avoid economic risks associated with a potential debt default.
Congressional leaders face the challenge of maintaining a narrow majority while navigating internal disagreements and external pressures. As the bill continues its journey through the legislative process, its final approval will remain a contentious issue with significant implications for the U.S. economy and its political landscape.