Washington, D.C., May 17, 2025 — Former President Donald Trump’s signature tax legislation, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” suffered a dramatic setback in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, as five Republicans defected in a critical procedural vote, joining all Democrats in opposition.
The bill, which aims to extend Trump-era tax cuts and introduce a new “no tax on tips” policy, failed to move forward as conservative holdouts demanded deeper spending reductions—particularly targeting Medicaid and green energy incentives.
“We don’t need ‘GRANDSTANDERS’ in the Republican Party. STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE!” Trump posted on Truth Social following the failed vote.
What’s in the Bill?
The proposed legislation would:
- Extend tax cuts from Trump’s first term
- Include a provision eliminating taxes on tips
- Slash federal spending across multiple agencies
- Attempt a full repeal of green energy tax credits enacted under Democratic leadership
According to the bipartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, the tax cuts would cost the government approximately $3.72 trillion over the next decade.
Republican Divide: Medicaid and Deficit Concerns
The five Republicans—led by Rep. Chip Roy (Texas)—have withheld support until the bill includes deeper Medicaid cuts and a repeal of all green energy incentives.
“This bill falls profoundly short,” said Roy. “It does not do what we say it does with respect to deficits.”
Some moderate Republicans have pushed back, warning that their constituents rely on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act provisions, which are also at risk under the current draft.
Democratic Opposition: “Healthcare Catastrophe”
Democrats have opposed the bill outright, citing devastating impacts on healthcare access. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) said, “No other previous bill, law, or event caused so many Americans to lose their healthcare—not even the Great Depression.”
Credit Rating and Fiscal Fallout
Compounding the pressure, credit agency Moody’s recently downgraded the U.S. outlook due to ballooning deficits. Critics argue the proposed tax cuts favor the wealthy and could worsen the national debt.
What’s Next?
Though Friday’s vote is not the final word, it signals the first major legislative bruise for Trump’s 2025 domestic agenda. Speaker Mike Johnson may be forced to revise the bill or strike new deals with the holdout Republicans.
With internal GOP tensions rising and Democrats unified in opposition, the road to passing Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is proving anything but easy.
Related Articles:
- Trump’s 2025 Domestic Agenda: What’s at Stake
- Understanding the GOP Split Over Medicaid and Tax Reform
- Green Energy Tax Credits: Why They’re Under Fire Again
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