Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ tax cut and spending package passes Congress despite criticism

US President Donald Trump’s flagship tax cut and spending bill, dubbed the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, passed its final hurdle in Congress with a narrow 218-214 House vote on Thursday. Earlier, the Senate approved it 51-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill makes 2017 tax cuts permanent, boosts military and immigration spending, and slashes social security programs like Medicaid and food assistance, potentially leaving 12 million people without health insurance. The Congressional Budget Office warns it will add $3.4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Despite internal Republican disagreements, only two opposed the bill after last-minute negotiations. Democrats criticised it as favouring the wealthy while burdening ordinary Americans. Trump is expected to sign it into law on Friday.