In a narrow decision that has sparked significant controversy, the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill by a 218-214 vote. This pivotal legislation proposes substantial reductions to the nation’s social safety net and dismantles the United States’ only federal climate initiative.
Opposition to the bill was unanimous among Democrats, with nearly all House Republicans backing the proposal. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, criticized the bill, stating it would render the U.S. “a far crueler and weaker place” and hasten a climate catastrophe by ending vital renewable energy support. (source)
With both chambers of Congress having approved the legislation, it awaits President Trump’s signature to become law. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump plans to sign the bill during a ceremony on July 4. (source)
Central to the Republicans’ agenda, the bill extends tax cuts from Trump’s first term, projected to cost over $4 trillion over a decade. It allocates approximately $325 billion to military and border security while cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid. (source)
To finance these tax breaks, the legislation ends clean energy tax credits established by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. This change affects wind and solar projects, which must begin construction by July 2026 to qualify. It also expedites the phaseout of electric vehicle tax credits. Environmentalists have labeled the bill as “historically ruinous” and a “self-inflicted tragedy.” (source, source)
The Inflation Reduction Act’s green initiatives aimed to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030. However, the new bill jeopardizes these targets, leaving the nation without a federal climate strategy once Trump signs it. (source, source)
“Every lawmaker who voted for this cynical measure chose tax cuts for the wealthiest over Americans’ health, pocketbooks, public lands, and waters — and a safe climate. They should be ashamed,” said Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. (source)
Agricultural policy experts have also voiced concerns, citing the bill’s redirection of climate funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to the farm bill, increasing subsidies to commodity farms by $50 billion. (source, source)
Notably, the final version excludes a proposal to sell public lands and does not impose strict limits on Chinese components in renewable projects. Some Republican votes were secured through state-specific concessions, such as reduced food stamp work requirements. (source)
In opposition, only two Republicans voted against the bill. Representative Thomas Massie cited concerns about the federal deficit, while Representative Brian Fitzpatrick opposed Medicaid cuts. All Democrats rejected the bill, with Representative Hakeem Jeffries delivering a lengthy speech condemning the legislation. (source, source, source)
The Congressional Progressive Caucus has pledged to hold Republicans accountable through “Accountability Summer” events, while Senator Brian Schatz suggests using the bill’s cuts against Republicans in upcoming elections. (source, source)
Original Story at grist.org