In a significant move, US President Donald Trump has officially enacted his landmark policy bill, following its narrow passage through Congress just one day prior.
On Friday afternoon, a significant signing event took place at the White House, formalising essential components of the Trump administration’s agenda. This includes tax reductions, increased defence spending, and measures aimed at tightening immigration policies.
The White House buzzed with a festive spirit as Trump put pen to paper on the bill, coinciding with the upcoming Independence Day fireworks and a military picnic featuring the pilots who recently executed strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran.
Trump informed his supporters that the proposed measures will drive economic growth; however, he now faces the challenge of persuading doubtful Americans, as recent polling indicates significant disapproval of certain aspects of the legislation.
A faction within his Republican party expressed opposition, citing concerns over the implications for the increasing US debt, while Democrats cautioned that the proposed bill would disproportionately benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
Just before the signing of the bill, a pair of B-2 bombers conducted a fly-by. These aircraft, known for their role in the Iran operation, were accompanied by cutting-edge F-35 and F-22 fighter jets.
From the White House balcony overlooking the South Lawn, Trump expressed gratitude to Republican lawmakers who played a pivotal role in bringing the bill to his desk. He championed the tax cuts included in the bill, dismissing concerns about their effects on social programs, such as food assistance and Medicaid.
“He remarked on the bill, stating that it includes the largest spending cut, yet it is unlikely to be noticeable to the public.” “The population expresses contentment.”
Trump also commended the increased resources allocated for border and immigration enforcement, as well as the proposed elimination of taxes on tips, overtime, and social security for senior citizens, asserting that the bill will accomplish these goals.
The atmosphere of celebration follows a series of intense negotiations with Republican dissenters in Congress, accompanied by days of persuasion on Capitol Hill, occasionally led by the president himself.
On Thursday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries extended the proceedings in the lower chamber of Congress by delivering a speech that lasted nearly nine hours, effectively postponing the final vote.
The bill was described as an “extraordinary assault on the healthcare of the American people,” with references made to testimonies from individuals expressing concern over its potential effects.
However, his lengthy address merely delayed the unavoidable outcome. Immediately upon taking his seat, the House proceeded to cast its votes.
In a striking display of party unity, only two Republicans broke ranks, aligning themselves with all 212 Democrats who stood firmly in opposition. The legislation was approved with a narrow margin of 218 votes in favour to 214 against.
This week, the Senate successfully passed the bill, with US Vice-President JD Vance stepping in to cast a tiebreaking vote following the reluctance of three Republican senators to support it.
Shortly after the House approved the bill, the president appeared on stage in Iowa, exuding confidence as he launched a year-long celebration marking 250 years of American independence.
“There is no greater birthday gift for America than the remarkable victory we secured just hours ago,” he stated to supporters in Des Moines.
The White House is optimistic that the proposed tax cuts will catalyse economic growth. However, numerous experts express concern that these measures may fall short in preventing a significant increase in the budget deficit, which represents the gap between government spending and tax revenue in any given year, ultimately exacerbating the national debt.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has conducted an analysis indicating that while the tax cuts may generate a surplus in their initial year, they are likely to lead to a significant increase in the deficit in subsequent years.
The Tax Policy Centre has reported that the proposed tax changes in the bill are set to favour wealthier Americans over individuals with lower incomes. The analysis indicates that approximately 60% of the benefits will be allocated to those earning above $217,000 (£158,000).
Interviews conducted by the media reveal concerns among Americans regarding potential reductions in the subsidies that assist them with grocery expenses.
Jordan, a father of two, represents one of the 42 million Americans who rely on the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is currently under scrutiny due to proposed legislation.
A 26-year-old man, who supports a family of four, receives approximately $700 monthly for food expenses. He expressed concern that if a proposed bill were to diminish his benefits, he would be compelled to seek additional employment. “I will do everything in my power to provide for my family,” he asserts.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that alongside reductions to SNAP, modifications to Medicaid—a program that provides healthcare for low-income, elderly, and disabled Americans—could lead to nearly 12 million individuals losing their coverage over the next ten years.
Republicans are standing by their modifications to Medicaid, asserting that by implementing stricter work requirements, they are addressing issues of abuse and fraud within the system.
Recent polling conducted before the bill’s passage in Congress indicates that public support remains significantly low, overshadowed by a larger contingent of opposition. A recent survey conducted by Quinnipiac University revealed that only 29% of respondents support the legislation, although support increases to two-thirds among Republican participants.
However, awareness of the bill may also be limited. At the Iowa rally on Thursday night, a report indicated that many Trump supporters appeared to have limited knowledge of the legislation, according to conversations held by reporters on the scene.
