In a surprising late-night session on Sunday, Republicans on the House Budget Committee gave the green light to President Trump’s legislation. The vote, which took place after 10 PM, saw a tight result of 17-16-4 for advancing the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
This decision followed Friday’s endorsement by four conservative members of the committee, who felt the proposed cost-cutting measures still needed more solid groundwork. These conservatives—Reps. Ralph Norman (SC), Chip Roy (TX), Andrew Clyde (GA), and Josh Bretzin (OK)—ultimately supported the bill’s progression.
“I’m really pleased with the changes we’ve made, and I’ll be voting in favor,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, one of the conservatives who initially hesitated.
On the opposing side, Democrats questioned, “What’s changed?” highlighting the tension in the room.
The urgency of the vote was palpable, with notable appearances from speakers and White House Legislative Director James Blade during the midnight discussions.
The next step for the bill is a review by the House Rules Committee later this week, where last-minute adjustments will be made to address compromises between high-tax states and fiscal demands.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) shared a positive outlook on the bill’s progress before the vote. “I believe we’ll have full Republican support, considering this a significant win tonight,” he remarked. He acknowledged ongoing work, outlining plans for a comprehensive discussion in the coming days and expressing confidence in meeting the original deadline.
The broader framework of the bill had previously gained approval from other committees this month, but internal party divisions on crucial aspects of the legislation remain a challenge. Fiscal conservatives, like Norman and Roy, are concerned that cuts to new Medicaid labor requirements and green energy incentives for single adults might not materialize in the near future, potentially delaying projected savings over the next decade.
Conversely, more moderate Republicans from high-tax states are pushing for increases to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, currently set at $30,000. Any concessions to these demands could necessitate further adjustments to the legislation.
Updated at 10:49 PM
