House Republicans took a major step forward in enacting President Donald Trump’s tax agenda early Wednesday, May 14, pushing through key provisions of his “one big, beautiful bill” after a marathon session that tested tempers and party unity. The House Ways & Means Committee passed its portion of the bill in a 26-19 party-line vote following more than 12 hours of debate that began Tuesday afternoon.
The legislation is part of a broader package developed by 11 House committees, with several still finalizing their segments. It includes sweeping reforms aimed at extending Trump-era tax cuts, modifying state and local tax deductions, and implementing deep spending cuts to social programs like Medicaid and food stamps.
The Energy & Commerce Committee’s session ran overnight, punctuated by fiery exchanges and protests. Demonstrators in wheelchairs opposed to Medicaid cuts gathered outside, while inside, members clashed over healthcare and welfare reductions. Republicans emphasized that their goal was to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse” rather than slash essential services.
Committee Chairman Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) told colleagues they had identified over $900 billion in budget cuts to help fund Trump’s priorities, including border security and defense. “We’ve got to find those savings,” Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated during a recent call with House Republicans.
Tensions escalated during debates on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) argued that Texas shouldn’t subsidize high-tax states like New York. “We should not have to pay to make up for the rich folks in New York who are getting raped by their local and state governments,” she said, sparking a sharp retort from Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who pointed out Van Duyne’s upstate New York roots. “There’s a reason I left,” she responded.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Committee began working on provisions related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Democrats accused Republicans of targeting vulnerable families, while Republicans like Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) defended the reforms as necessary safeguards. “We want to secure SNAP from waste and abuse,” he said.
The bill also includes provisions to roll back elements of the Inflation Reduction Act, impose new regulations on artificial intelligence, and expand crop insurance and livestock protection funding.
By Friday, the House Budget Committee is expected to compile the sections into a single legislative package. “I see the light coming in from the East… I think it’s going to be a Disney day,” quipped Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC), as dawn broke over the Capitol.
