House Republicans faced the wrath of Donald Trump as his signature tax and spending bill endured a prolonged procedural delay before finally advancing in the US House of Representatives. Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing hard for the bill’s passage, but a handful of GOP lawmakers joined Democrats in objecting to its provisions and overall cost, highlighting the challenges of uniting the party.
A critical “rule” vote, necessary to begin floor debate on the measure, was stalled for hours by dissenting lawmakers, forcing an unusual late-night approval at approximately 4:00 AM in Washington D.C. This standoff underscored the internal divisions within the Republican caucus, despite the Speaker’s determination to see the bill through.
President Donald Trump directly intervened in the legislative gridlock, engaging in extensive phone calls and meetings with reluctant Republicans. He publicly chastised them on Truth Social, declaring, “What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!” His demand is for the bill to be enacted by Friday.
The bill, already passed by the Senate with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote, faces a precarious final vote in the House, where the Republican majority is razor-thin. Fiscal conservatives, like Texas Congressman Keith Self, have openly criticized the bill for failing to achieve sufficient spending cuts and for its projected $3.3 trillion addition to the federal deficit by 2034.