Live updates: Congress passes Trumps big, beautiful bill
CNNMAR 26
House Passes Trump's $4.5T Tax Bill After Record Delay
Above: U.S. Congress members vote on President Donald Trump's tax bill at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 2025. Image copyright: Alex Wroblewski/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
President Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" is a triumph for America, securing a brighter future with historic tax cuts made permanent, boosted border security, and innovative policies like ending taxes on tips and overtime. Despite fierce opposition, the House's 218-214 vote, just in time for America's birthday, marks a bold next step into America's new golden age.
Democratic narrative
This bill is a fiscal disaster, adding $3 trillion to the debt over a decade while also slashing social programs like Medicaid. In a high-inflation, high-interest-rate economy, this reckless spending ignores soaring debt interest costs. Unpopular among voters and even some Republicans, the bill sets a dangerous baseline that could force painful concessions and deepen America's fiscal crisis.