A Group of Conservative Lawmakers Reject the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act, Seeking Salty Spending Cuts and Controversial Changes
Republican politicians obstruct Trump's substantial tax reduction proposal, resulting in a substantial roadblock.
In an unexpected turn, a few conservative lawmakers have teamed up with Democrats in shooting down a huge package of tax incentives and budget reductions. They argue for deeper slashes to Medicaid and green energy tax incentives, as well as other modifications.
House Republicans are battling to shove their marquee tax incentives and budget reduction package through the Budget Committee, facing a major blow to the Trump administration.
The sudden resistance from conservative lawmakers caught many off guard, as they sided with Democrats to denounce the bill as "reprehensible." They warned that millions would lose their health coverage and food aid if the bill made it through, while the richest Americans would pocket colossal tax benefits. They also predicted increased future deficits.
The failed vote, with a final tally of 16-21, puts a damper on House Speaker Mike Johnson's attempts to push the package for approval the following week. The Budget Committee, however, has scheduled a Sunday reconvening to try once more.
A "Massive, Captivating Bill" Under Pressure
Ahead of Friday's vote, US President Donald Trump pleaded with his party to fall in line.
"Republicans, for the love of all that's holy, UNITE behind, 'THE ONE, MAGNIFICENT BILL!'" he tweeted. "There's no need for 'egomaniacs' in the Republican Party. QUIT YAPPING, AND GET IT DONE!"
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, named with a knowing nod to Trump, hovers precariously at a critical juncture.
The Budget panel represents one of the last stops before the package is shipped off to the House floor for a vote, which is still planned for sometime next week. Typically, the Budget Committee's job is more administrative, as it consolidates work from 11 committees that have each drafted various parts of the large bill.
Four Republican conservatives originally opposed the package – Reps. Roy, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, and Andrew Clyde of Georgia. Then, one, Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania, switched his vote to no in a procedural step, signaling he intended to reassess the issue later. He later reassured his supporters that they would "get this done."
Roy argued the move wasn't an act of defiance against the president - "this ain't a power play," he said - as he and the others emphasized their backing of Trump's priorities.
Millions at Risk of Losing Health Insurance
As drafted, the bill envisions tripling the current $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions, raising it to $30,000 for joint filers with incomes up to $400,000 annually.
At its core, the sprawling package renews the existing income tax cuts enacted during Trump's first term, in 2017, and adds new ones that he campaigned on in 2024, such as zero tax on tips, overtime pay, and certain auto loans.
It amplifies some tax breaks for middle-income earners, including an elevated standard deduction of $32,000 for joint filers and a temporary $500 boost to the child tax credit, raising it to $2,500.
It also administers a $350 billion investment in Trump’s deportation agenda and the military, and forces certain Medicaid recipients to engage in 80 hours of work or community engagement to receive healthcare. Older Americans receiving food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, would also face an extension of the program’s current work requirement for able-bodied participants without dependents to include those aged 55-64. States would also be obligated to shoulder a larger share of the program’s costs.
The Congressional Budget Office projects at least 7.6 million fewer individuals with health insurance and around 3 million fewer SNAP recipients with the proposed changes.
- The unexpected alliance between conservative lawmakers and Democrats led to the rejection of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," causing concern over potential losses of health coverage and food aid for millions.
- Amidst the ongoing debate, the bill, named with a nod to President Trump, faces pressure as it navigates through the Budget Committee, with critics labeling it "reprehensible" and predicting increased future deficits.
- While some Republicans initially opposed the bill, the sudden shift in voting patterns raises questions about the unity within the party, as President Trump pleads for them to "UNITE" in support of the bill.
- The bill, if passed, would impact various sectors, including immigration policy, with a $350 billion investment in Trump’s deportation agenda and the military, and changes to Medicaid policy for certain recipients, among other modifications.
