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The United States House of Representatives narrowly approved on Thursday the ambitious tax package promoted by President Donald Trump, in a vote of 215-214 that reflected deep divisions within the Republican Party itself.
The bill, dubbed by Trump as “the big and beautiful bill,” which includes severe cuts to social programs like Medicaid and food stamps, will now be sent to the Senate, where substantial modifications are expected, the White House reported.
The legislative package includes historic tax cuts and a significant increase in spending on defense and border security.
The Republicans also included amendments to expedite work requirements for access to social benefits and to eliminate early the tax credits for energy established during the Biden administration.
The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, managed to push the measure forward after intense overnight negotiations with internal party factions, navigating threats of rebellion from both hardline conservatives and centrist Republicans.
"It's a great victory for the American people," Johnson celebrated after the vote.
Trump, for his part, posted a message on social media where he does not mention the risks to Medicaid and other social programs. Instead, he emphasized that "not a single Democrat voted in favor of cutting taxes, securing the border, or protecting the benefits of Americans."
The approval of the law comes amid a growing opposition from progressive sectors and high-profile democratic figures.
Former President Barack Obama publicly warned about the social consequences of the project, accusing Republicans of jeopardizing the health and economic stability of millions of Americans.
“Right now, Republicans in Congress are trying to advance a bill that would put millions of Americans at risk of losing their healthcare,” Obama warned in a social media post.
“They want to cut federal funding for Medicaid, eliminate the tax credits that help more people afford coverage, and increase costs for working-class families,” he added.
"This means that some of the most vulnerable Americans – families, the elderly, people with disabilities – will be unable to receive the life-saving treatment, medications, or care they need," emphasized Obama, the driving force behind what is known as Obamacare, the most significant healthcare reform in the country in recent decades.
He urged citizens to reach out to their senators to express their opposition and prevent the package from progressing in the Senate.
The Senate, also controlled by the Republicans but with a narrower margin, will now need to review and possibly modify the text.
Moderate senators are expected to attempt to soften the most drastic cuts to social programs, which could open a new phase of negotiations before the bill reaches the president for enactment.
Frequently asked questions about Trump's tax bill and its implications
What does the tax bill proposed by Trump, approved by the House of Representatives, contain?
The tax bill approved by the House of Representatives includes historic tax cuts, a significant increase in defense and border security spending, and severe reductions to social programs such as Medicaid and food stamps. Additionally, amendments are proposed to tighten work requirements for accessing social benefits and to prematurely eliminate the tax credits for energy established during the Biden administration.
What are the main criticisms of Trump's tax bill?
The main criticisms of Trump's bill focus on the fact that it endangers the health and economic stability of millions of Americans by cutting funds for Medicaid and other essential social programs. Figures such as former President Barack Obama have warned that these cuts would leave the most vulnerable families without access to vital medical treatments and would increase costs for the working class.
What is the next step for the tax bill following its approval in the House of Representatives?
The tax bill will be sent to the Senate, where substantial modifications are expected. Moderate senators may attempt to soften the most drastic cuts to social programs, which would open a new phase of negotiations before the bill reaches the president for enactment.
How would the tax bill affect immigrants in the United States?
The tax bill tightens labor requirements for beneficiaries of social programs and restricts access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain legally present immigrants, including those under asylum and humanitarian parole. Additionally, it proposes a special 5% tax on remittances sent abroad.
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