Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill Faces GOP Resistance Over Soaring Deficit Concerns

House Republicans struggled Wednesday to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill as conservative holdouts raised alarms over its cost. With a narrow 220-212 GOP majority, House Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford three defections. Hardline Republicans, led by Representative Andy Harris of Maryland, voiced firm opposition, citing the bill’s projected $3.4 trillion increase to the national debt over the next decade.

The Senate narrowly approved the bill Tuesday, after heated debate over its price tag and $900 million in proposed Medicaid cuts. The legislation includes extensions of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, deep reductions to safety net programs, increased immigration enforcement, and a rollback of green energy incentives. It also raises the U.S. debt ceiling by $5 trillion, a controversial move that could trigger another Senate vote if changes are made in the House—potentially jeopardizing Trump’s goal of signing it by the July 4 holiday.

Democrats remain united in opposition, arguing the bill benefits the wealthy at the expense of low- and middle-income Americans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates nearly 12 million people could lose health insurance under the proposed Medicaid changes. “This bill is catastrophic,” said Representative Jim McGovern, warning of its harsh impact on vulnerable populations.

Trump met with dissenting Republicans at the White House to rally support, but the final outcome remains uncertain. Representative Chip Roy of Texas and other fiscal conservatives continue to push back against the bill’s deficit implications. Still, some Republicans insist the party must fall in line. “77 million Americans voted for Donald Trump, not Chip Roy,” said Representative Derrick Van Orden.

Despite internal divisions, House leaders pushed to hold a full vote late Wednesday, aiming to deliver a key legislative win for Trump’s administration.