US Congress Passes Major Bill Backed by Trump, Heads to President’s Desk

Trump Secures Key Victory as Congress Passes Sweeping $4.5 Trillion Tax and Spending Bill.

President Donald Trump notched a major political win on Thursday as Congress narrowly passed his flagship tax and spending legislation, advancing key pillars of his second-term agenda. Dubbed by Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the sweeping $4.5 trillion package now heads to the president’s desk for signature.

After intense negotiations and a series of close votes, the bill passed the Senate 51-50 earlier this week, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The House of Representatives followed on Thursday, narrowly approving the measure by 218-214, with all Democrats and two Republicans voting against it.

Major Tax Changes and Spending Shifts
At the heart of the bill is the extension of the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, which were due to expire at the end of 2025. The legislation makes these cuts permanent and adds new benefits, including tax deductions for tips and overtime pay, and a $6,000 deduction for senior citizens.

However, the tax relief measures are accompanied by sharp reductions in social welfare spending. The bill includes $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps), mainly through tighter eligibility criteria and new work requirements. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the changes could lead to 11.8 million Americans losing health insurance by 2034.

Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Expanded
A major portion of the funding—approximately $350 billion—is directed toward Trump’s immigration and national security priorities. The bill earmarks:

$46 billion for new sections of the US-Mexico border wall

$45 billion to expand migrant detention facilities to 100,000 beds

Funding to hire 10,000 new ICE agents by 2029

It also includes $25 billion for a new missile defense initiative dubbed the “Golden Dome”, part of a broader increase in defense spending.

Fierce Opposition from Democrats
Democrats fiercely opposed the bill, labelling it a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of the working class and vulnerable communities. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries led a marathon nine-hour speech denouncing the legislation on the House floor.

“This bill gives tax breaks to billionaires while slashing health care and food support for struggling families,” Jeffries said.

Republicans defended the legislation as a long-term investment in American security, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. However, some within the party voiced concern about its impact on the national debt. The CBO estimates the bill could add $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.

Next Stop: The President’s Desk
Despite internal party divisions and united Democratic opposition, the GOP ultimately rallied behind the bill, handing Trump a major legislative win ahead of Independence Day.

Once signed into law, the bill will reshape U.S. fiscal and immigration policy and mark a defining moment in Trump’s second-term governance.