House Republicans faced a critical moment as a procedural vote on President Donald Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill" remained open, with several members yet to cast their votes. This situation unfolded early Thursday morning, following a stalled vote late Wednesday that saw five Republicans opposing the measure and eight others not voting at all.
Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, urging the holdouts to support the bill. He highlighted the potential benefits of the legislation, contrasting it with the consequences of not passing it. "What are the Republicans waiting for??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" he wrote, emphasizing the importance of unity among party members.
The procedural vote is essential as it allows lawmakers to debate the bill before it goes for a final vote. The House can only afford to lose three votes from its slim majority of 220-212. Republican leaders kept the vote open for over four hours, hoping to persuade the holdouts to change their minds and secure a majority.
Among those voting against the bill were Representatives Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Keith Self of Texas, Victoria Spartz of Indiana, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who notably switched his vote from "yes" to "no." Massie explained his change, stating that many people do not understand the difference between the procedural vote and the final passage vote.
In addition to those who voted "no," several Republicans had yet to cast their votes, including Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. Burchett mentioned that they were close to resolving their differences but did not disclose how he would ultimately vote.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, eager to push the bill forward, had called lawmakers back to Washington to build on the momentum from the Senate’s earlier passage of the legislation. He expressed optimism, saying, "Everybody wants to get to yes."
This vote is crucial for the Republicans, who have struggled with the bill throughout the year, often passing it by the narrowest of margins. With the stakes high, all eyes are on the House as they work to unite behind Trump’s agenda.