Trump Meets with GOP Lawmakers at White House, Pushes Tax Bill/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump met Republicans at the White House, pressing for support on his major tax and spending bill. Debate raged in Congress, with Democrats vowing unified opposition and some conservatives still unconvinced. A crucial House vote could happen today before Trump’s July 4 deadline.
Trump Meets GOP Lawmakers At White House – Quick Look
- Trump gathered moderates and Freedom Caucus members at White House.
- House debates tax bill, facing fierce partisan clashes.
- Conservatives wary of spending cuts, Democrats vow to oppose.
- A final House vote could happen today.
- Trump aims to sign the bill by July 4th.
- AOC warns tax cuts come with painful trade-offs.
- Bill offers tax breaks but deep program cuts.
- Uncertainty remains over GOP unity for final vote.
Trump Rallies Republicans at White House as Tax Bill Nears Final Vote
Deep Look
President Donald Trump met Wednesday with Republican lawmakers at the White House, aiming to secure enough support to push his sweeping tax and spending cuts bill over the finish line. Two White House officials, speaking anonymously because they weren’t authorized to discuss private conversations, said the meetings are part of Trump’s last-ditch effort to shore up votes ahead of a potential House showdown.
Trump gathered moderate Republicans in the Cabinet Room and planned to speak with members of the conservative Freedom Caucus later in the day. A final House vote on the legislation could come as soon as Wednesday, setting the stage for Trump to sign the measure into law.
Voices from the House Debate
As debate heated up on Capitol Hill, Republicans and Democrats clashed over the merits of Trump’s economic package.
Rep. Mike Haridopolos, a Florida Republican, said rising costs were crushing American families and argued the bill would bring relief.
“People who earn tips, who work overtime, people living on Social Security—they all get a big tax cut,” Haridopolos said.
But former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, blasted what Republicans have dubbed the “one big beautiful bill.”
“If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then GOP, you have a very blurred vision of what America is about,” Pelosi said. “Is it beautiful to cut off food from seniors and children?”
Pelosi invoked her personal journey to Congress, saying she came to stand up for children and vulnerable communities.
Fierce Debate on the House Floor
The House opened debate Wednesday on the rules for considering the bill, with fiery rhetoric on both sides.
“This is robbery,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat and top member of the Rules Committee, accusing Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over help for those in need.
“It is cowardly; it is a betrayal of everything this country is supposed to stand for,” McGovern added.
Republicans pushed back. Rep. Nick Langworthy of Pennsylvania insisted the measure would preserve Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and deliver higher child tax credits and other benefits.
“This isn’t extreme; it’s not partisan—it’s proven policy,” Langworthy said. “Let’s get this country back on track.”
Democrats Draw a Line
Despite internal challenges following losses in the 2024 elections, House Democrats showed rare unity, gathering on the Capitol steps to declare their opposition.
“Every single House Democrat will vote hell no against this one big ugly bill,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to cheers from his caucus. “And all we need are for House Republicans to join us.”
Conservatives Voice Doubts
Meanwhile, some conservative Republicans were on their way to the White House, seeking clarity from the president about the bill’s long-term impact on federal deficits.
Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina said he planned to vote no unless significant changes are made. “I won’t be convinced by promises of spending cuts in future bills,” he said.
Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee echoed that sentiment, skeptical of leaders’ assurances.
“It’s always the same line: ‘Let’s pass this and we’ll fix it later,’” Burchett said. “We never fix it later, and America knows that.”
As for Trump’s self-imposed deadline of signing the bill by July 4th, Burchett was unmoved.
“I don’t care if it’s July 40th, honestly,” he said.
AOC Urges Americans to ‘Do the Math’
Progressive leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Trump for repeatedly mocking her intelligence and warned voters not to be distracted by headline tax breaks.
“You don’t have to be a genius to do the math,” she said. “They’re offering no taxes on tips up to $25,000—but at the cost of losing your health care and food assistance. Is that worth it to you? Losing all your health care? Not being able to feed your baby?”
As the clock ticks down, the White House and congressional leaders face an increasingly narrow path to lock in the votes for Trump’s landmark legislation.
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