Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Faces Delay Tactics in Congress: The House of Representatives is in a heated battle over President Donald Trump’s much-touted “big, beautiful bill,” a $3.3 trillion legislative package that’s sparked intense debate. On July 3, 2025, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took center stage, using a parliamentary maneuver known as the “magic minute” to delay proceedings for hours. Starting his speech at 4:55 a.m., Jeffries was seen with multiple binders, signaling a prolonged effort to slow down the bill’s progress. This tactic, while not stopping the bill outright, highlights the deep divisions in Congress.
What Is the “Big, Beautiful Bill”?
The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s 2025 agenda, aims to reshape America’s economic and social landscape. Key provisions include:
- Permanent Tax Cuts: Extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) income tax brackets.
- New Deductions: Eliminating taxes on tipped and overtime wages up to certain limits, plus a deduction for those over 65.
- Border Security Funding: Allocating $46 billion for Trump’s border wall and boosting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts.
- Medicaid and Welfare Reforms: Introducing work requirements for Medicaid and federal food assistance programs.
- Debt Ceiling Increase: Raising the debt limit by $5 trillion to avoid a potential default.
- Green Energy Rollbacks: Repealing tax credits from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, labeled by Republicans as the “Green New Scam.”
These measures aim to appeal to working-class and middle-class Americans while addressing conservative priorities like border security and fiscal reform. However, Democrats argue it prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy while cutting benefits for vulnerable groups.
Why Is Jeffries Holding Up the Vote?
Jeffries’ marathon speech is a strategic move to delay the bill’s final House vote, expected later on July 4, 2025. As a minority leader, he lacks the power to block the bill under the budget reconciliation process, which allows Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition. Instead, he’s using every procedural tool available to slow things down.
In his speech, Jeffries read accounts from constituents in Republican-led states, claiming the bill’s Medicaid changes could strip coverage from children, veterans, and seniors. He called it “one big, ugly bill” that rewards billionaires while harming ordinary Americans. His delay tactics are a last-ditch effort to spotlight these concerns and rally public opposition.
Republican Pushback and Internal Struggles
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Trump have worked tirelessly to unify their party. The bill cleared a critical “rule vote” on July 3 with a narrow 219-213 margin, despite initial resistance from conservative House Freedom Caucus members like Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Chip Roy, R-Texas. These fiscal hawks worried the Senate’s changes—adjusting Medicaid cost-sharing and adding to the deficit—watered down the bill’s conservative principles.
Trump’s personal intervention, including a Truth Social post urging GOP unity, helped sway holdouts. He framed the bill as a win for all Americans, promising “permanently lower taxes, higher wages, secure borders, and a stronger military.” Johnson, too, has pushed for cohesion, acknowledging the Senate’s tweaks but emphasizing the need to meet the July 4 deadline.
Senate’s Role and What’s Next
The Senate passed its version of the bill on July 1, 2025, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune navigated a razor-thin GOP majority to secure passage, but not without controversy. Moderates are wary of shifting Medicaid costs to states that expanded under Obamacare, while conservatives argue the spending cuts don’t go far enough.
The House’s final vote, now delayed by Jeffries’ tactics, will determine whether the bill reaches Trump’s desk by his July 4 goal. Democrats may continue procedural delays, as seen in late May when they stalled the bill for 30 hours. Weather delays in Washington could further complicate matters, with Johnson noting potential travel disruptions for lawmakers.
Why This Matters to Americans
The bill’s outcome will have far-reaching effects. For supporters, it’s a bold step toward economic growth, border security, and welfare reform. Critics, however, see it as a blow to social safety nets and a boon for the wealthy. With both chambers operating on slim GOP majorities, every vote counts, and public opinion could sway the final push.
As the July 4 deadline looms, all eyes are on the House floor. Will Jeffries’ delay tactics derail Trump’s agenda, or will GOP unity prevail? Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes congressional showdown.
By Elizabeth Elkind, Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind for the latest political updates.