• House Republicans passed a multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package by a narrow vote of 215-214.
• Speaker Mike Johnson unified GOP members, defying skepticism around the controversial bill.
• The package includes major changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Opposition from Democrats focused on the bill’s detrimental impact on lower-income households.
• Several Republicans also voted against the bill, highlighting internal divisions within the party.

House Republicans conducted an all-night session to pass a controversial multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," achieving a narrow victory of 215-214 early Thursday morning. The vote was largely party-line, with Speaker Mike Johnson successfully rallying skeptical GOP members despite significant opposition from Democrats, who labeled the bill as detrimental to American families and low-income households. In a bid to unify members, Johnson stated, "To put it simply, this bill gets Americans back to winning again," before the final tally was called, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.

The passage of the bill represents a significant political triumph for President Trump, as it focuses on extending approximately $4.5 trillion in tax breaks enacted during his first term while adding new incentives he campaigned on in 2024. The legislation aims to cut federal deficits by imposing work requirements on Medicaid and SNAP, changes that critics, including House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, argue will adversely affect millions, stating, "This is one big ugly bill," according to Los Angeles Times and Newsweek.

During the intense lead-up to the vote, GOP leadership negotiated with holdouts, culminating in a late-night White House meeting where Trump urged them to support the bill. Following these discussions, Johnson voiced confidence that the bill would secure enough votes, despite several Republicans expressing deep concerns about its implications. Notably, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the changes could lead to a loss of health coverage for 8.6 million people, alongside a significant increase in deficits, as cited in Los Angeles Times and Newsweek.

The critical vote highlighted internal divisions within the GOP, as some members from moderate districts raised alarms over potential repercussions for constituents reliant on federal support programs. In stark contrast, conservatives demanded steeper spending cuts to offset projected deficits. Three Republicans ultimately voted against or abstained from voting on the bill, further underscoring the fragile coalition the Speaker had to manage to achieve passage. Johnson's ability to corral votes from various factions remains crucial, especially given the slim margins in the House, according to Newsweek and India Times.

The legislation is now set to head to the Senate, where it is anticipated to face further scrutiny and modifications due to pushback from Republican senators concerned about the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Such significant changes to these programs could jeopardize health care and food assistance for many constituents if the bill remains intact, as analysts continue to assess its long-term economic impacts, according to Los Angeles Times and Newsweek.