House Republicans Pass Landmark Bill 215-214; Advancing President Trump’s Tax and Immigration Priorities

Speaker Mike Johnson, smiling and triumphant, announced the vote results to applause from Republican lawmakers. “The bill gets Americans back to winning again, and it’s been a long time coming,” Johnson declared during his pre-vote remarks. “It quite literally is morning in America again.”

Key Changes to Medicaid, Taxes, and Immigration

This 42-page amendment represents a bold step by Republicans to curb spending, incentivize economic growth, and restore law and order at the border. Here’s what’s included:

• Medicaid Work Requirements: The bill accelerates the introduction of Medicaid work requirements to begin by December 31, 2026, a significant shift from the original 2029 start date. This change is viewed as a victory for fiscal conservatives pushing for deeper spending cuts. Additionally, the bill increases state-directed payments to discourage Medicaid expansion, a longstanding GOP goal.
• State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction: SALT deductions will rise to $40,000 for incomes under $500,000, a major shift from the $10,000 cap established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This adjustment is expected to gain favor from blue-state Republicans representing high-tax states like California and New York.
• Border Security Funding: A whopping $12 billion will go toward reimbursing states for costs associated with Biden-era immigration policies, bolstering enforcement and border security efforts. The DHS Secretary will be able to issue grants directly to states for immigration-related expenses.
• Trump Accounts: Renamed from the controversial “MAGA Savings Accounts,” these newly minted “Trump Accounts” are featured prominently in the bill. The president’s name now appears over 50 times in the amendment—a symbolic nod to his enduring influence within the GOP.
• Cutting Green Energy Credits: The bill expedites the phase-out of Biden-era clean energy tax credits, reducing government costs and giving businesses clearer timelines for compliance. Tax credits for new projects will only apply to those that break ground within 60 days or are operational by the end of 2028.
• Silencer Tax Repeal: In a move celebrated by Second Amendment advocates, the bill removes silencers from the National Firearms Act, effectively ending the tax on their transfer.

Passing the bill wasn’t easy for Republicans, with Speaker Mike Johnson working hard to unite a fractured party. With only a three-vote majority, Johnson had to contend with hardliners in the House Freedom Caucus as well as moderate Republicans from swing districts. The final vote came down to the wire, with two Republicans voting against the measure and one voting present.

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio opposed the bill, citing concerns about spending and government overreach. Meanwhile, Rep. Andy Harris of the House Freedom Caucus voted present, raising questions about internal GOP divisions. Despite these challenges, Johnson emerged victorious, attributing his success to “a lot of prayer” and persistent negotiation.

Republicans celebrated the moment as a turning point. As the final votes were tallied, lawmakers cheered, shook hands, and even played Queen’s “We Are The Champions” on a phone. Applauding the passage of the bill, President Trump called the vote “a huge step toward making America great again.”

What’s Next for the “One Big Beautiful Bill”?

The hard-fought win is only the beginning. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will face scrutiny and possible revisions by Republicans eager to put their own stamp on the legislation. While the GOP holds the majority in the Senate, cracks are already beginning to form, with moderates and fiscal hawks likely to push for further changes.