In a razor-thin 218-214 vote, the U.S. Congress approved former President Donald Trump's $4.5 trillion legislative package on Thursday, marking his most significant policy victory since returning to office. The bill combines tax reforms, spending cuts, and debt ceiling adjustments, sparking fierce debates about its economic and social consequences.
What's Inside the Legislation?
The bill slashes taxes by $4 trillion over a decade while reducing Medicaid funding by $1 trillion and tightening eligibility for food assistance programs. It allocates savings to military spending and border security while raising the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion. Critics warn it could strip health coverage from 17 million Americans and shrink SNAP benefits for low-income families.
Political Firestorm
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delayed the vote with a nine-hour speech, calling the bill a "disgusting abomination" that harms vulnerable citizens. Former President Joe Biden condemned it as "cruel," while Republican Speaker Mike Johnson hailed it as a corrective to "Biden-Harris radical regime" policies. Analysts predict the legislation could reshape 2026 midterm elections as two GOP lawmakers announced retirements amid backlash.
Economic Ripples
While the White House claims the bill will stimulate growth, nonpartisan analysts project a $3.4 trillion deficit increase over 10 years. Pew Research shows 49% of Americans oppose the plan, with many fearing wealth redistribution to top earners. Rural hospitals face closure risks under Medicaid cuts, and clean energy incentives face rollbacks.
President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on July 4, cementing his policy legacy as legal challenges loom.
