Speaker Mike Johnson is approaching what could be a significant legislative milestone as he seeks to pass the ‘big, beautiful bill’ after a prolonged and tense session with hard-right holdouts. Initially appearing to be in jeopardy after a late Wednesday setback, the Republicans shifted into action around 3:30 a.m., with the final vote expected to take place as early as 6 a.m. The procedural vote, which had been open for nearly six hours, saw GOP leaders working diligently to secure the required 12 votes. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) emerged as the lone Republican to oppose the measure at the conclusion of the process.
Conditions began to shift positively around 2 a.m., when Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise returned to the House floor, asserting they had secured the necessary support. Johnson was subsequently observed engaging in conversation, laughter, and what seemed to be prayer with some of the House Freedom Caucus holdouts. The situation has raised questions about the nature of the compromises achieved, with the holdouts suggesting they had reached agreements with the White House on key aspects of the bill’s implementation. Despite this, some Republicans have characterized the discussions as more of an airing of grievances than a substantive effort to reach a compromise.
As the situation unfolded, Trump, who had been actively supporting Johnson throughout the day, intensified his pressure on the holdouts through a series of increasingly frustrated social media posts. A particularly strong message was sent at 12:45 a.m., with Trump using strong language to express his impatience, as the bill remained in limbo. The tension highlights the broader dynamics within the party, with many House Republicans indicating that the bill is likely to pass before the day’s end.
Johnson’s statement around 1:30 a.m. encapsulated the frustration and determination of the leadership, as he expressed a desire for a normal Congress. However, he acknowledged that these circumstances are becoming more frequent, indicating the challenges facing the current political climate. This situation reflects an ongoing tension within the party, with the balance of power and ideological divisions continuing to shape the legislative process. As the bill faces its final vote, the outcome will have important implications for both the legislative agenda and the broader political landscape.