Democratic leader speaks for more than four hours on House floor as Republicans aim to vote on Trump’s major tax bill

 Democratic leader speaks for more than four hours on House floor as Republicans aim to vote on Trump’s major tax bill

In a dramatic move, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries took to the floor and spoke for over four hours, delivering a passionate and pointed critique of the Republican-led tax and spending bill. Jeffries described the legislation as a brutal attack on key social programs, saying it takes a “chainsaw” to Medicare, Medicaid, and nutritional assistance for children and vulnerable Americans. He warned that the consequences of the bill would be deadly for low and middle-income citizens, emphasizing that Democrats are united in opposition.

Jeffries mocked the process, stating, “I’m still here to take my sweet time,” using his unlimited floor time as minority leader to stall the vote. He also took aim at Project 2025, a sweeping conservative agenda backed by Republicans and  President Donald Trump, saying Democrats are “determined to take a chainsaw to Project 2025” instead.

As the debate stretched into the early morning, Jeffries told real-life stories of people who could lose healthcare and support if the bill passes. He referred to the legislation as “a crime scene” and criticized it as “punishment, not policy.”

Democratic Representative Jim McGovern echoed Jeffries’ sentiments, calling the bill catastrophic. According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly 12 million Americans could lose health insurance under the proposed changes. The legislation also aims to roll back green energy incentives, expand Trump-era tax cuts, and sharply reduce food and healthcare benefits.

Despite the Democrats’ vocal opposition and emotional appeals, Republicans remained focused on passing the bill. With a slim 220 to 212 majority, they can afford to lose no more than three votes. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed confidence on Fox News that the vote would take place before 10am and the bill would soon head to Trump’s desk.

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Republicans in the House are pushing ahead with a major tax and spending bill that encapsulates President Donald Trump’s top domestic priorities. The legislation would extend his 2017 tax cuts, eliminate green energy incentives, increase immigration enforcement funding, and slash vital social safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance.

Despite Democratic resistance, House Republicans believe they have the votes needed to pass the bill, thanks to their narrow 220-212 majority. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise stated in a Thursday morning interview that he expects the bill to move to Trump’s desk within hours, indicating a vote must happen by 10am ET to stay on schedule.

A major concern tied to the bill is the estimated loss of health insurance for nearly 12 million Americans, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill also includes deep cuts to Medicaid and programs that serve rural hospitals and children, prompting criticism even from some Republicans. In response to pushback, Senate Republicans have reportedly allocated additional funds to support rural healthcare providers.

The bill also calls for raising the federal debt ceiling by five trillion dollars, a move that must happen soon to prevent a national default. Still, Democrats argue the trade-off is not worth it, as the legislation sacrifices core social protections to benefit the wealthiest Americans through extended tax breaks.

Because any changes made by the House would need approval from the Senate, the timeline is tight. If amendments are necessary, they could derail the goal of passing the bill by July 4.

The bill represents a clear alignment with Project 2025, a conservative roadmap designed to reshape the federal government under Trump’s renewed influence. Democrats see it as a direct attack on democracy and public welfare, while Republicans view it as fulfilling their economic and political promises.