WASHINGTON (AP) — In a major legislative win for Republicans, Congress has passed a sweeping tax and spending bill backed by former President Donald Trump. The nearly 900-page bill, which includes trillions in tax cuts and major shifts in federal spending, now heads to Trump’s desk—just in time to meet the GOP’s July 4th deadline.

Despite unified Democratic opposition, the final version passed the House in a tight 218-214 vote, after the Senate approved it with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s in the bill—and when its key provisions will take effect.

Big Tax Cuts for Businesses, Families, and Seniors

At the heart of the legislation are roughly $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. Republicans say these measures are necessary to prevent a looming tax hike when Trump-era tax breaks expire at the end of the year.

Key Tax Provisions:

• Makes Trump’s first-term tax rates permanent

• New deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loans

• $6,000 deduction for seniors earning under $75,000/year—part of Trump’s pledge to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits

• Child tax credit increase from $2,000 to $2,200 (but many lower-income families won’t receive the full amount)

• State and local tax (SALT) deduction cap increases to $40,000 for five years

Businesses also benefit from expanded deductions:

• Immediate 100% write-offs for equipment and research investments

• Additional breaks for capital-intensive industries

However, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says the bill will save the wealthiest households about $12,000 a year, while it could cost low-income Americans $1,600 annually, largely due to cuts in Medicaid and food assistance.

Major Funding for Border Security and Defense

Trump’s bill funnels $350 billion into national security, with a sharp focus on immigration enforcement and military expansion.

Immigration & Border Security:

• Funding for 100,000 detention beds

• Hiring 10,000 new ICE agents with $10,000 signing bonuses

• Increased Border Patrol presence

• New fees for immigrants applying for asylum

Military Spending:

• Billions for shipbuilding and munitions

• $25 billion for the “Golden Dome” missile defense system

• $1 billion earmarked for border security operations by the Pentagon

Deep Cuts to Medicaid and Food Assistance Programs

To offset the tax cuts and spending hikes, Republicans are slashing public assistance programs. The bill tightens eligibility and imposes new work requirements.

Medicaid and SNAP Changes:

• 80-hour-per-month work requirement for many adults—including those up to age 65

• Parents with children over 14 must also meet work rules

• $35 copay for some Medicaid services

• States with high SNAP error rates will begin covering part of the cost starting in 2028

The CBO estimates that by 2034:

• 11.8 million more Americans could lose health coverage

• 3 million more people would no longer qualify for SNAP

Climate Programs Slashed, Fossil Fuels Boosted

In a sharp reversal of Biden-era climate policy, the bill guts renewable energy incentives.

What’s Being Cut:

• Clean energy tax credits for wind and solar rolled back

• Electric vehicle tax credits end September 30, 2025 (instead of 2032)

Meanwhile, tax credits will now cover metallurgical coal, essential for steel production—further supporting fossil fuel industries.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden called the move a “death sentence” for clean energy.

New “Trump Accounts,” Remittance Tax, and Culture War Add-ons

The bill includes several GOP wish-list items—many unrelated to tax or fiscal policy:

Notable Provisions:

• Trump Accounts: $1,000 savings deposits for children

• $40 million for Trump’s “National Garden of American Heroes”

• 1% tax on international money transfers

• Elimination of $200 tax on silencers and short-barreled firearms

• Temporary ban on Medicaid funds going to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood

• Expansion of compensation for nuclear exposure victims

Surprise Inclusions: Moon Missions, AI Moratoriums, and Rural Hospital Aid

Several last-minute additions and removals shaped the final bill:

• $50 billion over five years for rural hospitals (up from $25 billion)

• $88 million for pandemic response oversight

• Billions for NASA’s Artemis moon mission and Mars exploration

• A controversial moratorium on state AI regulations was removed after pushback from GOP governors

• New wind/solar taxes tied to Chinese components were stripped out

The Price Tag: $3.3 Trillion Deficit—Or Not?

According to the CBO, the bill would add nearly $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade. But Senate Republicans argue that extending existing tax cuts shouldn’t count as new costs.

Using that logic, they claim the bill would actually cut the deficit by $500 billion—a view Democrats and fiscal watchdogs strongly dispute.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget blasted the GOP math as an “accounting gimmick that would make Enron executives blush.”

Final Thoughts

While the bill checks off many long-standing Republican goals—tax cuts, defense spending, immigration crackdowns—it also stokes deep political divisions over the future of federal safety nets, climate policy, and fiscal responsibility.

The true impact of the legislation will unfold in the coming months—but one thing’s clear: this isn’t just a budget bill. It’s a bold statement of the GOP’s agenda heading into 2025.

Source: AP News – What’s in Trump’s big bill that passed Congress and will soon become law

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Progress on former President Donald Trump’s sweeping $3.3 trillion legislative package came to a grinding halt early Thursday, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) launched a marathon speech aimed at delaying the final vote.

Jeffries began speaking around 4:55 a.m., just after House Republicans successfully passed a procedural “rule vote” to advance what Trump has touted as his “big, beautiful bill.”

Armed with binders of material, Jeffries took full advantage of the “magic minute” — a House rule that allows party leaders to speak without time limits — in a bid to stall the vote for hours.

GOP Pushes Bill Forward Despite Intra-Party Tensions

The late-night procedural victory marked a major step forward for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), following intense negotiations with far-right holdouts threatening to tank the measure.

The House voted 219–213 to adopt the rules for debate, with only Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) breaking ranks. The bill now awaits a final vote, likely later Thursday — but only after Jeffries and his fellow Democrats exhaust their procedural tools.

“I feel the obligation, Mr. Speaker, to stand on this House floor and take my sweet time,” Jeffries remarked during his remarks.

Jeffries Denounces GOP Bill as “One Big Ugly Bill”

Jeffries used his floor time to blast the Republican legislation, calling it “one big, ugly bill” that would reward the wealthy while harming everyday Americans. Reading from accounts of Medicaid recipients in Republican-led states, Jeffries criticized the proposed cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, warning that they could strip essential benefits from veterans, children, and seniors.

“This Congress is on the verge of ripping food out of the mouths of children, veterans, and seniors… in order to reward billionaires,” he said.

What’s in the Bill?

The bill — a centerpiece of Trump’s revived economic agenda — includes provisions that:

• Permanently extend tax brackets lowered by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)

• Eliminate taxes on tipped and overtime wages up to a capped amount

• Add new deductions for Americans over 65

• Roll back green energy tax credits from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

• Increase funding for the military and ICE

• Raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion

• Tighten work requirements for Medicaid and food assistance

Republicans claim the bill prioritizes the middle and working class, while Democrats argue it is a giveaway to the wealthy that guts essential services for vulnerable Americans.

Senate Modifications Stir Controversy

The Senate passed its version of the bill Tuesday, making key changes:

• Adjusted Medicaid cost-sharing between federal and state governments

• Tweaked certain tax provisions

• Increased the debt limit to avoid a potential default

These changes rattled both moderate and conservative Republicans. Fiscal hawks objected to the increased spending, while moderates worried about shifting Medicaid costs to states that expanded coverage under Obamacare.

Trump and Johnson Rally GOP to Unity

Despite these rifts, Trump and Johnson worked overtime to win over skeptical Republicans. Trump took to Truth Social to urge unity:

“This is everyone’s bill… the American people will have permanently lower taxes, secure borders, and a stronger military,” he wrote.

He added, “We are on schedule — let’s keep it going and be done before the July 4th vacation.”

Still, Reps. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Chip Roy (R-Texas) — both members of the House Freedom Caucus and Rules Committee — voted against the bill during a tense 12-hour committee hearing.

Democrats’ Strategy: Delay, Delay, Delay

With little power to block the bill outright, Democrats are using delay tactics to slow its passage. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said the goal is to “buy time” and push back against the bill’s more controversial provisions.

“We were able to delay the last version for 30 hours,” Frost said. “We’ll do everything we can to slow this one down too.”

Unpredictable weather delays in D.C. also had lawmakers worried that travel complications could affect turnout for the final vote.

What Happens Next?

While the House cleared the rule vote, the final vote on the bill remains in limbo. Democrats may introduce more procedural hurdles, and internal GOP divisions could still pose challenges.

House Republicans hold only a three-vote majority, meaning even minor defections could derail the legislation.

Stay with us for continuing updates as this high-stakes legislative showdown unfolds.\

Source: FOX News – Jeffries stalls Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ for hours after House GOP mutiny breakthrough

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In a bold move to reshape the nation’s social safety net, House Republicans are proposing nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps. If passed, the sweeping legislation could result in millions of Americans losing access to essential healthcare and nutrition support — despite repeated promises by GOP leaders, including Donald Trump, to leave programs like Medicaid untouched.

Who’s at Risk?

The cuts would hit far more than just able-bodied adults not working, as GOP lawmakers suggest. Experts warn the reductions could impact:

• Children
• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• Low-income workers
• Caregivers and students

More than 71 million Americans rely on Medicaid, and another 42 million receive food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This proposal puts a sizable portion of the U.S. population in jeopardy.

Key Medicaid Changes: $700 Billion in Cuts

The House package slashes nearly $700 billion from Medicaid over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The result? Over 10 million people could lose Medicaid coverage by 2034, with 7.6 million projected to be uninsured entirely.

A First in Medicaid’s 60-Year History

For the first time ever, certain adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work at least 80 hours per month — or participate in community service, school, or job programs — to keep their Medicaid benefits. The requirement, set to take effect in 2029, exempts some groups like pregnant women, medically frail individuals, and those with substance use disorders.

But there’s a catch: even people who are working or qualify for exemptions could still lose coverage due to complex reporting requirements.

“Millions could lose coverage simply because they can’t navigate the bureaucracy,” said Michael Karpman of the Urban Institute.

Collateral Damage: Hospitals and States

Hospitals — especially in rural and underserved areas — could be hit hard. With more people uninsured and states receiving less federal aid, hospitals may be forced to:

• Cut services
• Raise prices for insured patients
• Shut down altogether

Nursing homes and state health systems could also suffer as the bill limits how states tax health care providers — a major funding stream for local health programs.

Seniors, Dual Eligibles Also at Risk

The bill could delay streamlined Medicaid eligibility reforms until 2035, potentially pushing 2.3 million people, including seniors and those with disabilities, off the rolls.

And since Medicaid is the largest federal funding source for state budgets, cash-strapped states may have to cut optional services (like dental and home care), raise taxes, or slash other vital programs like education.

One projection from KFF says states would need to raise taxes by an average of 4% to compensate for the loss — ranging from 1% in Kansas and Wyoming to 11% in Louisiana.

Food Stamps: Work Requirements Expanded, State Burden Increased

Under the proposed bill, the rules around SNAP — the formal name for food stamps — would get significantly tougher.

Work Mandates Extended

Currently, adults 18–54 without dependents must work at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months. The new bill would:

• Expand this requirement to adults up to age 64
• Include parents with children aged 7 to 18
• Make it harder for states to waive these rules during tough economic times

States on the Hook for Costs

For the first time, states would have to cover at least 5% of food stamp benefit costs by 2028 — and possibly up to 25% if they have high payment error rates. Administrative costs would also rise, with states covering 75% instead of the current 50%.

The result? Some states may pull back from the program or restrict access further.

“The work requirements could put 11 million people — including 4 million children — at risk of losing food aid,” said Ty Jones Cox from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

A Blow to Local Economies

Independent grocers and local businesses are also sounding the alarm.

SNAP funding supports:

• 388,000 jobs
• Over $20 billion in wages
• More than $4.5 billion in tax revenue

“SNAP is not just food assistance — it’s an economic engine,” said Stephanie Johnson of the National Grocers Association.

What’s Next?

The proposal still faces a rocky path through Congress, with conservative and moderate Republicans battling over the details. The Senate is expected to make further changes.

But one thing is clear: If passed, this legislation would mark a historic rollback of federal support for healthcare and nutrition — potentially reshaping the lives of millions of Americans and the communities they live in.

Source: CNN – House GOP lawmakers are proposing nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps. Here’s who could be impacted

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If the GOP pushes the bill through without Democratic input, it will face a tough battle in the Senate. Democrats must decide whether to filibuster and risk blame for shutting down the government or allow the bill to pass, potentially appearing weak in resisting Trump’s agenda.

Potential Fallout of a Government Shutdown

The funding deadline looms on Friday, and failure to pass a resolution could have serious consequences for millions of Americans:

• Essential workers could go unpaid.
• Airport security, border crossings, and national parks could face disruptions.
• Trump’s economic policies and Elon Musk’s government restructuring are already causing instability.

Adding to the uncertainty, Trump, in a recent Fox News interview, refused to rule out a possible recession while continuing to defend his trade war policies, despite market downturns.

Speaker Johnson’s Test and the Republican Strategy

The funding battle is also a crucial test for House Speaker Mike Johnson as he tries to push Trump’s agenda with a thin GOP majority. The proposed bill:

• Freezes spending levels but increases funding for defense and border security.
• Serves as a temporary fix to avoid internal GOP divisions over deeper spending cuts.
• Does not address the debt ceiling crisis, which remains an economic threat.

Trump has commanded GOP lawmakers to back the bill, warning against dissent. His push appears effective, with conservative holdouts like Rep. Chip Roy and Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris now supporting the measure to keep the government open while Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues federal cuts.

Democrats Resist, Call It a “Power Grab” for Musk

Democrats strongly oppose the bill, calling it a dangerous transfer of power to Trump and Musk.

• Rep. Rosa DeLauro, top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, called it a “power grab” that hands control of taxpayer money to an unelected billionaire.
• Sen. Patty Murray slammed it as a “slush fund”, giving Musk unchecked control over federal spending.

With Musk consulting GOP leaders on further government job cuts, the bill’s passage would solidify his influence. However, Republicans have not yet codified Musk’s restructuring into law, leaving room for political and legal battles.

A Senate Showdown and Democratic Dilemma

If the bill reaches the Senate, Democrats must choose between blocking it or allowing it to pass:

• Blocking it could shift blame for a shutdown onto them.
• Allowing it may demoralize Democratic supporters and signal weakness in opposing Trump.

Some Democrats argue that stopping the bill is irrelevant, as Trump and Musk are already making unilateral budget decisions that defy congressional authority. Others, like Sen. Elissa Slotkin, warn that the power of the purse belongs to Congress, not the White House or Musk.

The uncertainty has left Democratic leaders scrambling for an effective response, highlighting their struggles to counter Trump’s aggressive executive actions. With the funding deadline approaching, the showdown will define the early months of Trump’s second term—and determine whether Democrats can effectively push back against his policies.

What Comes Next?

If the House bill succeeds, Senate Democrats must decide whether to fight or concede. Their next moves could shape public perception of Trump’s leadership, the Republican Congress, and Democratic resistance moving forward.

Source

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Less than a month into his second term, President Donald Trump is wasting no time wielding executive authority to settle scores. His recent actions signal a leader determined to reshape the government in his image while taking direct aim at political rivals.

Targeting Political Enemies

Trump’s first days back in office were marked by swift and aggressive moves. He used his executive powers to:

• Revoke former President Joe Biden’s security clearance.
• Dismantle the Kennedy Center board, removing key members.
• Dismiss the national archivist, Colleen Shogan, in a shocking move.

His actions highlight a presidency laser-focused on retribution—contrary to his earlier claim in a January 2024 Fox News town hall that he would be “too busy making the country successful” to pursue vengeance.

Escalating Calls for Retribution

During his reelection campaign, Trump repeatedly hinted at revenge. Following his conviction on 34 felony counts in a hush-money trial, he and his allies ramped up calls for payback. Now, with a sweeping electoral victory behind him, Trump is making good on those promises.

His administration is actively:

• Purging federal agencies, particularly the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI.
• Stripping security clearances from key figures, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and top prosecutors from past investigations.
• Pardoning over 1,000 individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol attack.

Legal and Institutional Overhaul

Trump’s DOJ has already reassigned or dismissed career officials who worked on federal investigations against him. In a controversial move, the administration has ordered an internal review of Biden-era law enforcement activities, framing them as “weaponized” against conservatives.

Additionally, Trump’s team has targeted agencies like the FBI, demanding a list of employees involved in January 6-related cases—sparking fears of mass firings. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove insists this is not a retaliation effort, but FBI officials remain deeply concerned.

Firing Frenzy: Clearing Out Key Figures

Trump has intensified his purge of officials across the government:

• National Archives: Colleen Shogan, dismissed despite having a personal connection to First Lady Melania Trump.
• Defense Department: Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper had his security detail revoked, even though he faced credible threats from Iran.
• Kennedy Center: Board members removed for allegedly not sharing Trump’s “Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.”
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): A long-time conservative target, now under the control of Trump loyalist Russell Vought.

DOGE and the Elon Musk Factor

A key driver of Trump’s recent shake-ups is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency now led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. DOGE has aggressively cut down on federal programs and funding, including:

• USAID: Over 2,000 officials placed on leave, gutting foreign aid operations.
• Health & Human Services: Cancellation of a $168,000 project honoring Dr. Anthony Fauci.
• Consumer Protections: CFPB restructuring, with Musk declaring “CFPB RIP” in a social media post.

What’s Next?

With Trump’s second term just beginning, the scope of his retribution agenda remains vast. His administration continues to consolidate power, sideline political adversaries, and reshape federal institutions to align with his vision. While legal challenges may arise, Trump and his allies appear confident in their ability to fight and win.

One thing is clear: Trump’s revenge tour is far from over.

Source

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Senate Republicans have elected Senator John Thune of South Dakota as their new leader, following a secret ballot held on Wednesday. The 63-year-old Thune won the leadership race, defeating Florida Senator Rick Scott, who had strong support from many of Donald Trump’s allies, and Texas Senator John Cornyn. Scott was eliminated in the first round of voting.

In his victory statement, Thune expressed his gratitude, stating he was “extremely honored” and stood “united behind President Trump’s agenda.” His election comes after the Republican Party secured a 53-47 majority in the Senate, flipping control of the chamber as Trump also won his return to the White House.

Thune will take over from Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, who is stepping down from the role after 18 years. Thune’s leadership term will begin in January, when the 119th Congress convenes, and he is expected to serve for at least the next two years.

As Senate Majority Leader, Thune will take charge of shaping Republican positions on key issues, managing the legislative agenda, and overseeing the confirmation of Trump-nominated judges and cabinet members. McConnell, who is the longest-serving party leader in U.S. history, played a crucial role in reshaping the U.S. Supreme Court and the federal judiciary. However, he has faced increasing resistance from within his own party, particularly as the Republican caucus has grown closer to Trump.

McConnell, 82, had announced in February that he would step down from leadership but continue serving his Senate term until it ends in 2027. His decision sparked leadership bids from Thune, the current Minority Whip, and Cornyn, the former Republican Whip. Scott, who had unsuccessfully challenged McConnell two years ago, also entered the race.

Scott, a more conservative figure, quickly gained support from Trump’s most prominent allies, including Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson. In contrast, Thune and Cornyn are seen as more aligned with McConnell’s establishment wing. Despite Scott’s efforts, he was eliminated early, receiving only 13 votes. Cornyn garnered 15 votes, while Thune led with 23. However, Thune did not secure the majority needed to win outright. In the second round, Thune triumphed, defeating Cornyn 29 to 24.

McConnell praised Thune’s leadership, calling the result “a clear endorsement of a consummate leader” and recognizing his political skill and legislative experience. Meanwhile, Scott expressed appreciation to those who supported him and said their voices had called for change within the Republican Party.

Although President Trump did not publicly comment on the race, Thune’s win and Scott’s early defeat are seen as a sign that Senate Republicans are asserting their independence and choosing a leader with significant experience and trust within the party. Thune raised over $31 million for Senate Republicans during the election cycle, contributing to the party’s success in flipping three Democratic-held seats and regaining the Senate majority.

Thune’s relationship with Trump has been somewhat complex, especially after Thune criticized Trump’s actions surrounding the January 2021 Capitol riot. Thune had initially backed Senator Tim Scott in the 2024 Republican presidential race, but the two have since built a stronger professional relationship. Thune visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort earlier this year, and they have communicated frequently in recent months.

In addition to Thune’s election as Senate leader, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso was chosen as Thune’s deputy, and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton was named conference chair.

In response to Thune’s election, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, congratulated him and expressed hope for continued bipartisan cooperation. “We’ve done many bipartisan things here in the Senate together, and I hope that continues,” Schumer said in his statement.

Source

Whos is John Thune?

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