US House narrowly passes Trump-backed spending bill

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In a closely contested decision, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a budget resolution that advances President Donald Trump's legislative agenda. The resolution passed with a narrow margin of 217-215, reflecting deep partisan divisions and some dissent within Republican ranks.

The $4.5 trillion proposal aims to implement significant tax cuts and increase spending on defense and border security. To offset these expenditures, the plan outlines $2 trillion in spending reductions over the next decade, targeting social safety net programs such as Medicaid. This aspect has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue that the cuts will disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable populations.

Notably, Representative Thomas Massie was the sole Republican to oppose the measure, joining all Democrats in voting against it. The narrow passage underscores the challenges faced by House Speaker Mike Johnson in uniting his party to advance the administration's priorities.

The resolution's approval serves as a critical step toward enacting President Trump's policy objectives, including the extension of tax cuts established in 2017. The legislative process now moves to the Senate, where reconciliation procedures may be employed to expedite passage and circumvent potential filibusters.

As the budget plan progresses, it is expected to encounter further debates, particularly concerning the proposed cuts to social programs and their long-term implications for the federal deficit and economic inequality.



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