US House Republicans advance Trump megabill to a final vote
Trump scores victory after marathon session was stalled by Republican defectors
Republicans in the House of Representatives advanced US President Donald Trump’s massive tax cut and spending bill toward a final yes-or-no vote early Thursday morning, appearing to overcome internal party divisions over its cost.
Following a day of closed-door meetings both on Capitol Hill and at the White House, lawmakers cleared a final procedural hurdle needed to begin debate on the bill in a 219-213 vote around 3.30am. Lawmakers then reopened debate for a final vote that was expected around 5.30am.
An earlier procedural vote was held open for seven hours on Wednesday, giving Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson time to convince holdouts to back the president’s signature bill.
Johnson had expressed optimism on Wednesday night, saying lawmakers had a “long, productive day” discussing the issues. After the vote he praised Trump for making phone calls to the holdouts through the early hours of Thursday morning.
“There couldn’t be a more engaged and involved president,” Johnson told reporters.