President Donald Trump’s $3.3 trillion “big, beautiful bill” has rewritten the congressional history books: the House’s procedural vote on the Senate-amended text stretched well past seven hours, eclipsing the previous mark of seven hours and six minutes set in 2021 during debate on Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan.
According to Axios, the clock ticked past the old record at 9:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with the tally still open. Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) jabbed at Republicans, arguing that such an extended roll-call flouted House rules.
The delay reflected a tug-of-war inside the GOP: Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sought to corral conservatives—particularly members of the House Freedom Caucus—who balked at the Senate revisions, citing a swelling deficit, limited Medicaid changes and inadequate spending trims. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) also objected to the return of green-energy tax incentives that the House had previously tried to scrap.
With Democrats solidly opposed, the fate of the 800-plus-page measure hinges on a small bloc of Republican holdouts. After the overnight drama, Speaker Johnson vowed to push the Senate version through the House and onto the president’s desk before the July 4 deadline.
In the early hours of Thursday, lawmakers approved the so-called rule vote, formally opening debate and setting up a decisive floor vote later in the morning. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) noted that even some centrist Republicans were still peppering agencies with last-minute implementation questions.
“Agency heads have been mapping out these changes for months,” Scalise told reporters. “But none of it matters unless the bill becomes law—so our chief goal is to get it passed.”
Tax relief for families and businesses
Stricter work requirements for certain federal benefits
Higher asylum application fees
Restored clean-energy credits—a key sticking point for House conservatives
Should Johnson secure enough GOP votes, the House will send Trump’s signature package back to the Senate for formal enrollment and then to the White House. If the coalition falters, another marathon—and a fresh scramble for concessions—could await.
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