House advances ‘big, beautiful bill’

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The House debated early Thursday morning on President Donald Trump’s tax bill after a long and arduous day for House GOP leadership. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La..) was hard at work to wear down resistance in his own party and get enough votes.

It was a huge victory for Speaker Johnson to get over the first hurdle, as Republicans and Democrats put their stances on full display.

After Johnson managed to convince the last Republican holdouts to proceed to debate lawmakers hit the House floor to express their thoughts on the bill.

“Campaign promises made and soon to be campaign promises kept,” said Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.).

Georgia Republican Congressman Buddy Carter and Indiana Republican Congressman Rudy Yakym highlighted the increased funding to border security.

“It secures our southern border, making every community safe,” said Carter.

Missouri Republican Congressman Jason Smith touted the tax cuts in the bill, which extend the 2017 tax cuts.

“This is the largest tax cut for working families, farmers and small businesses in U.S. history,” said Smith.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries pushed back on the GOP messaging.

“It will hurt everyday Americans in several different ways,” said Jeffries.

Democrats focused on the cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, like SNAP.

“Snap Medicaid, Medicare and the ACA are all about to be gutted,” said Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.).

If passed, the bill will head to President Trump’s desk.