Summary
The US Congress has approved a tax and spending bill pushed by former President Donald Trump, with the House passing it narrowly after a close Senate vote. The bill is expected to increase the federal deficit and has been controversial, facing criticism for potentially reducing health coverage and food benefits.
Key Facts
- The House of Representatives passed the bill with a 218 to 214 vote.
- The Senate had approved the bill earlier by just one vote.
- The Congressional Budget Office predicts the bill might raise the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade.
- The bill could lead to many people losing health insurance, a point disputed by the White House.
- Trump's bill includes making his 2017 tax cuts permanent and changes to taxes on tips and overtime.
- It allocates $150 billion each for border security and military spending.
- The bill was delayed by an eight-hour speech from Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
- Republicans faced internal disagreements, but most supported the bill, while only two Republicans in the House voted against it.
