House Republicans successfully passed President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill on Thursday, overcoming multiple challenges and a tight roll call vote of 218-214, with two Republicans joining all Democrats in opposition.
This legislation, dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” is expected to mark a significant achievement in Trump’s political comeback, reflecting the influence of the right within the current Republican-majority Congress.
During a celebratory ceremony, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed emotional sentiments about the passage, highlighting the contrast with the previous Biden-Harris administration.
“Everything was an absolute disaster under the Biden-Harris radical, woke, progressive, Democrat regime,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the Republicans’ responsibility to address what he described as failures in public policy.
In a show of camaraderie, Johnson took selfies with lawmakers and they celebrated around him, reenacting Trump’s iconic poses as “Y.M.C.A.” played in the background, with a few lawmakers even mimicking Trump’s distinct dance moves.
Rep. Lisa McClain, chair of the GOP conference, commended the leadership of Johnson, declaring that the legislation would result in tangible change for families across the nation.
On the other hand, Democrats in San Diego voiced strong opposition to the newly passed bill, arguing that it would negatively impact American families.
Rep. Mike Levin criticized the legislation as “the worst bill that the House has voted on during my time in Congress,” asserting that House Republicans are disregarding the welfare of working families.
Levin highlighted the dire consequences of the bill, stating it jeopardizes health care coverage for 17 million Americans and threatens food assistance for 42 million others, while also predicting an increase in home electricity bills by over $400 annually.
In contrast, Rep. Darrell Issa took to social media to attack Democrats for their opposition, accusing them of filibustering against tax cuts intended for families and small businesses, while promising benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Other Democratic representatives from San Diego echoed Levin’s concerns, warning of the detrimental cuts likely to affect those reliant on public assistance.
Rep. Juan Vargas condemned the bill as a clear indication that Republicans prioritize billionaires over the needs of their constituents, labeling it a betrayal.
“This won’t be forgotten,” Vargas warned, highlighting the pain inflicted on countless families across the nation.
Rep. Sara Jacobs described the bill as a representation of government failure, asserting it exacerbates inequality by removing critical support for those striving to escape poverty.
Jacobs expressed concern that this legislation would burden future generations with significant debt while contributing to a less healthy and more hungry workforce.
Rep. Scott Peters shared similar sentiments, criticizing the partisan nature of the bill, which he believes unfairly targets those in the greatest need while providing tax advantages to the wealthy.
“It is obscene,” Peters concluded, underscoring the widespread disapproval among his party regarding the legislation’s implications for the low-income population in America.
The Associated Press contributed to this article, capturing the wide array of perspectives on this pivotal legislative move.
image source from：timesofsandiego
