The US Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s controversial tax bill, setting the stage for its signing on Independence Day. This legislation marks a significant victory for Trump, fulfilling key campaign promises such as tax cuts and increased funding for defense and border security. However, the bill has faced substantial criticism, particularly from Democrats, who argue that it disproportionately benefits the wealthy while imposing severe cuts on healthcare programs like Medicaid. Critics, including former President Joe Biden, have condemned the bill as reckless and cruel, citing the potential loss of healthcare coverage for millions of Americans.
The bill extends tax relief measures from Trump’s first term and eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, while also allocating additional billions for defense and border protection. To finance these changes, the bill introduces new debt and reductions in healthcare funding for low-income citizens. This aspect has sparked opposition from within Trump’s own party, with some Republicans expressing concerns about escalating national debt. Despite these divisions, the bill narrowly passed in the House, with only a handful of Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries symbolically led the charge against the bill with an extended floor speech, labeling it as an abomination and criticizing its impact on vulnerable populations. The debate over the bill has highlighted deep partisan divides, with Democrats vowing to make its consequences a focal point in upcoming election campaigns. The passage of this bill underscores the ongoing tensions in American politics, as both sides grapple with balancing fiscal responsibility and social welfare priorities.
