US President Donald Trump signed into law a major tax and spending package on Friday, celebrating the legislation as a victory for the nation just a day after it narrowly passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
The legislation, titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, cements Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, provides funding for stricter immigration enforcement, and is projected to leave millions without health insurance. The House approved the bill by a slim 218-214 margin after an intense debate.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, Trump praised the measure, saying, “I’ve never seen people so happy in our country because so many groups are being supported: the military, civilians of all kinds, and jobs of every type.” He also extended his gratitude to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for steering the bill through Congress.
Trump highlighted the legislation’s scale, calling it “the biggest tax cut, the biggest spending cut, and the largest border security investment in American history.”
The Independence Day event featured military flyovers, including stealth bombers and fighter jets recently used in US operations targeting nuclear sites in Iran. The ceremony drew hundreds of attendees, among them Trump supporters, White House staff, members of Congress, and military families.
The bill’s enactment marks a significant legislative win for Trump and his Republican allies, who contend it will stimulate economic growth. This view contrasts with projections from nonpartisan analysts who warn it could increase the national debt, already at $36.2 trillion, by over $3 trillion.
Despite internal concerns about the financial implications and potential cuts to healthcare, only two of the House’s 220 Republicans ultimately opposed the bill, joining all 212 Democrats in voting against it.
The bill’s passage followed a dramatic standoff in Congress, highlighted by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivering a record-setting speech lasting eight hours and 46 minutes. Jeffries condemned the legislation as favoring the wealthy while jeopardizing healthcare coverage and food aid for low-income Americans.
