House Begins Work on Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," Vote Expected Wednesday

Washington, D.C., July 2, 2025 – The House of Representatives has initiated proceedings on President Donald Trump's comprehensive tax and immigration legislation, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," with House Speaker Mike Johnson indicating that a vote could occur as early as Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The bill, which narrowly passed the Senate with a 50-50 vote broken by Vice President JD Vance, faces a challenging path in the House due to a slim Republican majority and vocal opposition from some GOP members.

Legislative Background

The Senate approved the megabill on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after intense negotiations and a marathon voting session. The legislation includes approximately $4 trillion in tax cuts, increased funding for border security, the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and a significant increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000. It also proposes substantial cuts to Biden-era clean energy initiatives and entitlement programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Senate version of the bill is projected to add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade and could result in 11.8 million Americans losing health insurance coverage due to Medicaid cuts.

House Proceedings

The House Rules Committee advanced the bill to the floor on Wednesday morning with a tight 7-6 vote, following nearly 12 hours of debate. Republican Representatives Ralph Norman and Chip Roy joined Democrats in voting against the measure in committee, signaling potential resistance among fiscal conservatives. Despite this, Speaker Johnson remains optimistic, stating on Fox News' Hannity that he expects a floor vote on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on weather-related travel disruptions affecting lawmakers' return to Washington, D.C. Storms across the East Coast have canceled or delayed over 1,200 flights, potentially impacting attendance for the vote.

Johnson emphasized the urgency of passing the bill by July 4, aligning with President Trump's self-imposed deadline. "The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democrat failure, we intend to deliver without delay," Johnson said in a joint statement with House Republican leaders Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, and Lisa McClain.

Opposition and Challenges

The bill faces significant hurdles in the House, where Johnson can afford to lose only three Republican votes if all members are present. Several GOP lawmakers, including Representatives Norman, Roy, David Valadao, Josh Brecheen, and Eric Burlison, have expressed concerns over the Senate's modifications, particularly the deeper Medicaid cuts and the bill's impact on the deficit. Representative Roy, a prominent critic, stated he is "not inclined to vote" for the legislation, citing its failure to align with the House's budget framework. Similarly, Representative Norman has suggested that the House should reject the Senate's version and revert to the original House-passed bill from May 2025, which passed by a single vote (215-214).

President Trump has dismissed the CBO's projection of 11.8 million Americans losing insurance, claiming the number reflects "waste, fraud, and abuse" without providing alternative data. He expressed confidence in the bill's passage, telling ABC News, "There’s something for everyone," and suggesting that opposition within his party would be minimal.

Procedural Next Steps

The House convened at 9 a.m. on Wednesday to begin debating the bill, with two key votes anticipated: a procedural vote on the rule, followed by a vote on final passage. Democrats are expected to employ delay tactics, proposing numerous amendments to highlight the bill's cuts to social safety net programs. These efforts are unlikely to alter the legislation but could prolong the process. If the House approves the Senate's version without amendments, the bill will proceed directly to President Trump’s desk for his signature. Any changes would require further Senate approval, potentially jeopardizing the July 4 deadline.

Broader Implications

The megabill represents a cornerstone of President Trump’s domestic agenda, aiming to fulfill campaign promises such as tax relief and enhanced border security. However, its passage is complicated by internal GOP divisions, with moderates wary of Medicaid cuts and fiscal hawks alarmed by the deficit increase. The outcome of the vote will test Speaker Johnson’s ability to unify his party and deliver on Trump’s priorities amidst logistical challenges and policy disagreements.

As the House debates the legislation, all eyes are on Washington, where weather, attendance, and political maneuvering will shape the fate of the "One Big Beautiful Bill."

Sources: ABC News, July 2, 2025; Fox News, July 1, 2025; The Hill, July 1, 2025