House Republicans plunged into yet another night of internal gridlock Wednesday as the reconciliation package—centered on making President Trump’s tax cuts permanent, tightening immigration enforcement, and reforming welfare—faced a turbulent path through procedural votes. Despite unanimous Democratic opposition, it was Republican hesitation that nearly stalled the bill.
The vote hovered at 207–212 for most of the day, with eight members delaying their votes and five Republicans initially voting ‘no’: Reps. Thomas Massie (KY), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Victoria Spartz (IN), Andrew Clyde (GA), and Keith Self (TX). In the end, only Fitzpatrick maintained his opposition, allowing the bill to advance. But the day’s events exposed serious fractures within the GOP conference, particularly on the eve of delivering what could be the president’s signature domestic victory.
🚨 BREAKING
Speaker Mike Johnson rallies the GOP and the U.S. House finally advances the One Big Beautiful Bill to debate with a vote of 219-213.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 3, 2025
The objections were framed around deficit concerns, but no current legislation on the floor meaningfully addresses the federal debt. Meanwhile, the reconciliation package proposes sweeping reforms—extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts, removing illegal immigrants from Medicaid, and fully funding the administration’s immigration agenda, including border security and enforcement operations.
Critics of the internal dissent argue that this isn’t the moment for symbolic fiscal protests. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score has come under scrutiny, as it fails to account for dynamic growth projections—a common blind spot in evaluating supply-side policies. Despite this, some Republicans appeared more focused on procedural posturing than delivering on a unified agenda.
Trump’s tax bill is now on a glide path to final passage after all of the Rs save Fitzpatrick voted for the rule. Timing depends on Jeffries’ Magic Minute.
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) July 3, 2025
The House Freedom Caucus, often vocal about limiting government, found itself at the center of criticism for prolonging the drama. Members of the caucus, though elected to push back against excess, are now being accused by allies of obstructing meaningful conservative reform at critical junctures.
The situation also underscored another persistent problem: Republican floor discipline. Unlike Democrats—who, despite deep ideological divides, typically close ranks when votes are called—Republicans continue to struggle with cohesion, even on cornerstone legislation.
Man, Massie’s principled conservatism sure does help the Democratic Party get exactly what they want.
Every single time.
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) July 2, 2025
