Trump Pressures GOP to Back His Contentious Tax Bill

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump pressured reluctant House Republicans early Thursday, urging them to back his highly contentious tax and spending bill.

“Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove???” Trump posted on social media, escalating his call for action. He added, “MAGА IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!”

This came as the House of Representatives was set to vote on the Senate-approved legislation, with the hope of securing Trump’s signature by Friday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged to keep the crucial procedural vote on Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” open for “as long as necessary.” Speaking to media, Johnson said, “I’ll keep it open as long as it takes to make sure we’ve got everybody here and accounted for and all the questions answered.”

At the time of the vote, the count stood at 207-217 against passage, with five Republicans opposing it and eight still undecided.

The Senate approved the bill on Tuesday in a narrow 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply criticized the bill on Wednesday, warning that Democrats would vote "hell no" on the proposal. He argued the measure would solidify many of Trump’s controversial policies while adding $3.4 trillion to the national debt.

“What type of party would bring a bill to the House floor that rips away Medicaid from those in need? What kind of party would bring a bill to the House floor that literally robs food from the mouths of children, veterans, and seniors?” Jeffries asked. “And all of this is being done to provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors. It’s unconscionable; it’s unacceptable; it’s un-American.”

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