The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a significant tax and spending package proposed by President Donald Trump. The legislation garnered 218 votes in favor, with all 212 Democrats voting against it. The Senate had previously passed the bill on Tuesday, paving the way for President Trump’s signature and subsequent implementation.
The proposed law allocates hundreds of billions of dollars in increased funding for immigration authorities, border security and the military. Tax reductions, primarily benefiting corporations and high-income earners, are intended to be offset by approximately $1 trillion in cuts to the state-funded Medicaid program. Approximately 12 million individuals with disabilities or low incomes could potentially lose their health insurance coverage as a result.
The legislation also includes planned cuts to food assistance programs, the closure of climate research stations and the elimination of certain incentives for renewable energy development and electric vehicle purchases. Despite the projected savings, the bill is estimated to increase the national deficit by roughly $3.4 trillion over the next decade.
During the debate surrounding the bill, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a record-breaking nearly nine-hour speech in the House chamber. He characterized the legislation as immoral and reckless, arguing that it would negatively impact children, seniors, average Americans and individuals with disabilities. Jeffries urged all members to vote against the measure.