House Republicans have been burning the midnight oil to push forward a massive bill that aligns with President Donald Trump’s agenda. The marathon session aims to address divisions within the party and move the legislation to a House floor vote by Wednesday. The House Rules Committee hearing kicked off at 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday, where committee members debated the details of the extensive “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” spanning over 1,000 pages.
The GOP faces internal challenges as not all members are in agreement with the proposed bill. Key points of contention include Medicaid work requirements and limitations on state and local tax deductions. President Trump personally addressed Republicans on Capitol Hill to rally support for the bill, even going as far as threatening to primary those who oppose it. Despite efforts by Speaker Mike Johnson to fast-track the bill for a House floor vote, Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris remains skeptical about its passage on Wednesday, expressing doubts about the bill’s viability.
As the Rules Committee meeting progresses, discussions focus on critical components such as tax provisions, changes to SNAP, and cuts to Medicaid. However, anticipated revisions negotiated between hard-liners and moderates have yet to be disclosed by GOP leaders. Representative Virginia Foxx, chair of the Rules Committee, underscores the urgency for Republicans to advance the bill for the sake of economic stability. She assures that modifications to the package will be revealed during the ongoing hearing. On the opposing side, Representative Jim McGovern, the lead Democrat on the Rules Committee, criticizes the rushed nature of the reconciliation bill and questions the GOP’s motives behind convening late-night sessions.
Throughout the night, both Democrats and Republicans have submitted a total of 537 amendments to the reconciliation package. As the hearing continues, various committee chairs and ranking members present their testimonies to the panel, covering a wide range of topics from Armed Services to Education. Despite the intense debate and amendment proposals, the process has been met with frustration and skepticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Representative Bennie Thompson of Homeland Security voices discontent with the proceedings, likening the Homeland Security section of the bill to putting “lipstick on a pig.” The Mississippi Democrat emphasizes the need for transparency and criticizes the rushed decision-making process, highlighting the disconnect between legislators and the American people.
In the midst of conflicting views and mounting tensions, the fate of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” hangs in the balance as House Republicans navigate through internal discord and external pressures. With the clock ticking and votes still up in the air, the outcome of the House floor vote remains uncertain. As lawmakers continue to debate the intricacies of the legislation, the eyes of the nation are fixed on Capitol Hill, awaiting the resolution of this high-stakes political showdown.
