House Republicans Push Ahead With Trump’s Tax Bill Amid Internal Disputes

Washington, D.C. — The House Budget Committee voted late Sunday night to advance President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” despite significant internal strife among Republicans. The vote passed along party lines 17-16, with four Republicans abstaining.

The four holdout representatives, Chip Roy of Texas, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, had previously voted against the bill. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the need for party unity, saying, “It is absolutely essential that Republicans unite behind the bill and deliver on President Trump’s agenda.”

The bill includes major tax reductions funded by significant cuts to Medicaid and aims to tighten Medicaid work requirements from 2029 to as early as 2027. On Monday, Leavitt addressed concerns that the bill would increase the national deficit, asserting, “This bill does not add to the deficit.”

Speaker Mike Johnson stated that negotiations had been productive, aiming for passage by the end of the week to meet a July 4 deadline for addressing national debt. He noted, “We’ve got to get this done and get it to the president’s desk by that big celebration on Independence Day.”

The House Freedom Caucus criticized the bill for failing to address immediate needs, arguing that it perpetuates increased deficits. Some members expressed that while the bill contained potential future savings, it lacked necessary spending cuts now.

In an effort to rally support, Trump called for a meeting with House leadership and holdouts on Wednesday. However, the divide remained stark, as some conservative factions insisted on more stringent Medicaid reforms and immediate cuts in clean-energy tax incentives.

After a lengthy Rules Committee hearing early Wednesday morning, tensions within the Republican conference continued to escalate, with chosen deadlines pressuring members. Rep. Andy Harris, a key member of the Freedom Caucus, stated, “There is no way this bill passes in the House today.” Amid wide-ranging discontent, holdouts also criticized the timeline, with some labeling it arbitrary.

As of late Wednesday evening, no finalized bill had emerged from the lengthy discussions, leaving the fate of the legislation uncertain. Republican leadership’s previous agreements with moderates added complexity, making it crucial for Johnson to navigate through both hardliner demands and maintaining moderate support.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is seen as pivotal for Trump’s domestic agenda, with significant implications for federal spending and tax policies. As negotiations advance, the pressure remains on Republicans to unify and deliver timely results.