Trump's Megabill Moves Forward: Why Did it Stall and What Does it Mean For You?

After weekend negotiations and Republican resistance, the GOP’s sweeping tax-and-spending plan was approved by the House Budget Panel late Sunday night.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (right), with VP JD Vance and President Trump (via Mike Johnson on X)

President Trump’s sprawling economic package - dubbed the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" - advanced out of the House Budget Committee late Sunday night after initial resistance from conservative Republicans and a failed vote on Friday night.

The legislation combines permanent extensions of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts with new breaks on tips, overtime, and auto loan interest. It also includes massive boosts to defense and border security spending, and would enact sweeping Medicaid work requirements and cuts to safety net programs. (Politico)

The package was initially stalled by four House GOP hardliners - Chip Roy, Andrew Clyde, Josh Brecheen and Ralph Norman - who objected to its potential deficit impact, among other concerns. (Guardian)

But following late-night negotiations and minor modifications, the lawmakers voted “present,” allowing the bill to proceed by a narrow 17-16 vote. (NPR)

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called on all Republicans to unite behind the legislation. “It is absolutely essential that Republicans unite behind the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ and deliver on President Trump’s agenda,” she said. Addressing concerns about the deficit, Leavitt insisted, “This bill does not add to the deficit.” (ABC News)

Democrats have sharply criticized the bill’s proposed spending cuts, particularly those targeting Medicaid and SNAP benefits, which Republicans say are needed to offset the cost of extending tax breaks.

“There is nothing wrong with us bringing the government in balance,” Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) told CNN. “But there is a problem when that balance comes on the back of working men and women. And that’s what is happening here.” (Guardian)

Speaker Mike Johnson hopes to bring the bill to the House floor later this week, with a final vote expected before the Memorial Day recess. The measure would then head to the Senate, where more changes, and new resistance, await.

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What’s in the Bill, and What’s Still Holding It Back

🧠 It’s Trump’s boldest legislative push of the year, but whether the GOP can hold together long enough to pass it remains the biggest question.

👉 In today’s Pro Brief, we dig into the internal GOP divisions, key provisions affecting Americans, and the next hurdles the bill faces in Congress.