Trump’s Tax Bill Spurs Late-Night Capitol Showdown

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Trump’s Tax Bill Spurs Late-Night Capitol Showdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Republicans worked deep into the night debating President Donald Trump’s massive $5 trillion tax overhaul bill, facing fierce Democratic opposition and internal GOP friction. The bill includes historic tax cuts but slashes Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and green energy funding to offset costs. Trump calls the legislation transformational, but critics decry it as a gift to the wealthy at the expense of low-income Americans.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Trump’s Tax Cut Bill Quick Looks

Trump’s bill offers $5T in tax breaks, mostly benefiting wealthy
Cuts $800B from Medicaid, $290B from food aid (SNAP)
Ends green energy credits, redirects $350B to deportation programs
Child tax credit and SALT deductions expanded
Trump: “Like a rocket ship for our country”
Protesters disrupt hearings; 26 arrested on Capitol grounds
Democrats slam the bill as cruel and regressive
Republicans push for Memorial Day House vote
Senate GOP version still under negotiation
$4T debt ceiling hike tied to final legislation

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Deep Look: Trump’s $5 Trillion Tax Plan Sparks All-Night House Debate Amid Sharp Divisions

WASHINGTON — A sweeping $5 trillion tax and spending plan backed by President Donald Trump sparked marathon committee hearings in the House on Tuesday night, as Republicans moved aggressively to advance what they call the “big, beautiful bill” while Democrats and advocacy groups sounded alarms over proposed deep cuts to safety net programs.

From Medicaid and SNAP food assistance to climate incentives, the proposal seeks to fund historic tax breaks by gutting core Democratic priorities. Tensions flared as committees worked past midnight, debating more than 100 amendments largely rejected by the GOP majority.

GOP’s Agenda: Tax Relief, Safety Net Rollbacks

At the center of the package is an ambitious expansion of Trump-era tax reforms:

Elimination of taxes on tips, Social Security income, and car loan interest
A new $32,000 standard deduction for couples
Expanded Child Tax Credit
Higher SALT cap ($30,000), still under negotiation

To offset these tax breaks, Republicans propose:

$1.9 trillion in cuts to green energy incentives
$800 billion reduction in Medicaid over 10 years
$290 billion trimmed from SNAP (food stamps)
$350 billion redirected to Trump’s mass deportation initiative
$142 billion in added Pentagon defense spending

Protests, Arrests, and Tense Debates

Early in the hearings, protesters disrupted proceedings over Medicaid cuts. At least 26 arrests were made outside the Energy & Commerce Committee room, according to Capitol Police.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said the Medicaid cuts would leave millions without healthcare. “People know they’re losing their coverage — that’s why they’re here,” he said.

Democrats displayed posters with the slogan “Medicaid Matters” and read testimonies from affected constituents. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) called in a constituent by phone to speak on the record — only to be ruled out of order.

Trump’s Vision, GOP Coordination

While in the Middle East, President Trump described the tax bill as the “largest tax and regulation cut in American history” and a launchpad for economic recovery amid ongoing uncertainty from his global tariff policies.

In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson and top Republicans have been coordinating daily with Trump. Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), chair of the powerful Ways & Means Committee, said Trump reviewed the bill “line by line” and gave it his full backing.

“He was very happy with what we’re delivering,” Smith confirmed.

Budget Math and Political Risks

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill would cost a net $3.7 trillion over 10 years, even after factoring in the safety net cuts and repeal of green tax breaks.

CBO also estimates:

7.6 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage
3 million fewer SNAP participants per month
New work requirements for aid recipients begin Jan. 1, 2029

Despite these figures, Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) said the changes are designed to “save Medicaid” by reducing fraud and tightening eligibility.

GOP Infighting and Legislative Timeline

Speaker Johnson faces resistance from moderate Republicans in high-tax states, who say the SALT cap expansion still falls short.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) said after a lengthy meeting with Johnson: “We’re still far from a deal.”

With only a narrow GOP majority, Johnson can’t afford many defections. The leadership is eyeing a Memorial Day House vote and a final bill on Trump’s desk by July 4, ahead of the looming debt ceiling deadline.

The bill includes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase, enough to fund the government into 2026.

Democratic Pushback: “Tax Scam 2.0”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) denounced the proposal as “another GOP tax scam” that would benefit the ultra-wealthy and corporate donors.

Democrats proposed amendments late into the night to:

Enhance the Child Tax Credit
Reverse Trump’s tariff policies
Provide protections for Affordable Care Act recipients

All were rejected by Republicans.

Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), chairing the Energy & Commerce Committee, even barred lawmakers from accusing each other of lying, underscoring the tension in the room.