US House Approves Controversial Trump-Backed Spending Bill

In a narrow 217-215 vote, the US House of Representatives passed a significant spending bill on Tuesday, seeking to fund President Trump's 2025 agenda. The decision highlighted the internal divisions within the Republican party, as some members pushed for more fiscal restraint. With the bill now facing the Senate, potential conflicts remain regarding its passage.

The US House of Representatives has narrowly passed a highly debated multi-trillion dollar spending bill on Tuesday, marking a substantial victory for President Donald Trump and advancing his 2025 agenda. The bill was approved with a 217-215 vote, reflecting a test of unity for new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously postponed the vote due to uncertainty over support.

Several Republicans expressed concerns regarding the proposed spending, which encompasses $4.5 trillion in tax cuts—partially offset by spending reductions and potentially increasing the national debt. Ultimately, the legislation passed largely along party lines, with all Democrats voting against it and only one Republican, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, opposing due to his calls for deeper cuts. Notably, one Democrat chose not to vote.

The spending framework aims to generate $2 trillion in cuts over the next decade to finance Trump's initiatives, allocating over $100 billion for enhancements in military and immigration enforcement sectors. It also aims to prolong tax breaks established during Trump’s initial term, expiring soon.

Yet, the bill's journey has merely begun, as it still must undergo a reconciliation process with a separate budget being developed in the US Senate. Even if both chambers approve a spending plan, there will be extensive negotiations on the finer details before we see it reach Trump’s desk for approval.

Initial hesitation around the vote led House leaders to delay proceedings, with Speaker Johnson and his senior counterpart, Steve Scalise, engaging in discussions to rally support within their ranks. Trump himself reached out to hesitant members, urging for the bill’s passage, as confirmed by Scalise. Notably, three of the four members initially opposing the bill shifted to support it during the final vote.

Following the vote, Speaker Johnson remarked on the hard work ahead, vowing to deliver on the “American First” agenda. Meanwhile, Democrats condemned the plan as primarily benefitting wealthier individuals at the expense of low-income families who depend on Medicaid.

With Trump's endorsement, the Senate faces immense pressure to evaluate the House's budget proposal, particularly against the backdrop of a competing Senate bill introduced just last week.