Congress Approves Trump's Major Tax and Spending Bill Amid Controversy

In a significant legislative move, the U.S. Congress has passed President Donald Trump's tax cut and spending package, colloquially known as the 'big beautiful bill.' The Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved the bill on July 3, 2025, with a vote of 218 to 214, sending it to the President for his signature. This legislation is poised to have far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy, healthcare programs, and social safety nets.

The passage of this bill marks a pivotal moment in Trump's administration, fulfilling multiple campaign promises. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the legislation is expected to add approximately $3.4 trillion to the national debt, which currently stands at $36.2 trillion. The bill aims to make the tax cuts enacted in 2017 permanent, while also introducing new tax breaks that were heavily promoted during Trump's re-election campaign.

Republican leaders expressed strong support for the bill, arguing that it would provide significant tax relief for American families and stimulate economic growth. Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina characterized the legislation as a historic opportunity for working families, stating, "This bill brings historic tax relief, funds border security, and captures generational savings."

However, the bill has faced fierce opposition from Democrats, all of whom voted against it. They argue that the proposed cuts will disproportionately benefit the wealthy while undermining essential services for lower-income Americans. Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, in a lengthy speech on the House floor, condemned the legislation as a "giveaway to billionaires" that would leave millions without health insurance. According to the CBO, the bill could result in nearly 12 million Americans losing their health coverage due to cuts to Medicaid, which serves approximately 71 million low-income individuals.

Economic analysts have raised alarms regarding the long-term consequences of the bill, with Moody's recently downgrading U.S. debt due to increasing fiscal pressures. Critics highlight that the wealthiest Americans are likely to see the most benefits from the tax cuts, while lower-income families may face declining incomes as safety-net programs are reduced.

The debate surrounding this bill has been characterized by urgency, with President Trump applying pressure on Republican lawmakers to ensure its passage by the Independence Day holiday. His social media posts called for swift approval, stating, "FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!"

As the bill heads to the President’s desk for signing, its implications for the U.S. economy, social welfare programs, and income inequality remain topics of heated discussion among policymakers and economists alike. The final version of the bill includes more substantial tax cuts and aggressive healthcare reductions than initially proposed, reflecting the contentious nature of its passage.

In summary, while the bill promises tax relief and economic stimulus, its potential impact on the federal deficit and healthcare coverage continues to provoke intense debate. The coming months will reveal how these changes unfold and their effects on American families and the broader economic landscape.