WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant legislative victory for President Donald Trump, the House of Representatives has given final approval to a sweeping tax and spending bill, marking a milestone for his second-term agenda. The legislation, which includes multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts, was passed late Thursday, just ahead of the self-imposed July 4th deadline. The bill now awaits the president’s signature, expected on Friday.
House Republicans overcame numerous setbacks to push through the bill, which is valued at $4.5 trillion in tax breaks alongside $1.2 trillion in cuts to government programs. The passage came after GOP leaders worked overnight, with Trump himself reportedly persuading a handful of skeptics to drop their opposition. Meanwhile, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delayed the vote with a record-breaking speech that lasted over eight hours, vehemently opposing the bill.
What’s Inside Trump’s Landmark Legislation
The newly approved bill, spanning nearly 900 pages, is a comprehensive collection of tax breaks, spending cuts, and Republican priorities. It includes provisions for increased national defense spending and funding for deportations. The legislation makes permanent many tax breaks from Trump’s first term and introduces new ones, such as deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and interest payments on auto loans.
This development follows a period of intense negotiation and political maneuvering, with Republicans determined to pass the bill before the holiday. The move represents a significant achievement for Trump, aligning with his long-term economic goals and reinforcing his influence within the party.
Supreme Court to Review Transgender Sports Case
In another major legal development, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a new case concerning the participation of transgender students in school sports teams. This decision comes just two weeks after the court upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The upcoming case will review lower court rulings that favored transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia, with arguments set for the fall.
West Virginia’s attorney general celebrated the court’s decision, stating it was “a great day” for female athletes in the state. Conversely, lawyers defending the lower court rulings expressed readiness to uphold their positions. Currently, more than two dozen states have enacted laws restricting transgender women and girls from participating in certain sports, though some of these laws have faced legal challenges.
Escalating Violence in Gaza
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Israeli airstrikes and shootings have resulted in the deaths of 94 Palestinians in Gaza, including 45 individuals seeking humanitarian aid. According to reports from hospitals and the Gaza Health Ministry, the strikes hit a tent camp during the night, killing at least 13 members of a single family, including six children under 12.
In central Gaza, the tragedy continued as a young boy was seen stroking the face of his deceased 6-year-old sister in a morgue. The girl was among eight people killed when a strike hit near a falafel stand. The situation in Gaza remains tense, with international calls for restraint and humanitarian assistance growing louder.
Other Notable Developments
In Los Angeles, federal officials have arrested Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. for deportation due to organized crime charges in Mexico. Chávez, who was detained in Studio City, California, is accused of overstaying a tourist visa and lying on his green card application. He is believed to be affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel.
In a separate legal matter, Sean “Diddy” Combs remains in custody after being denied bail by a judge who cited his history of violence. Combs, recently acquitted of sex trafficking charges, was convicted on lesser prostitution-related charges. His defense team argues that he has been a model prisoner and has shown efforts to reform.
Looking ahead, President Trump is set to kick off a yearlong celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with an event in Iowa. The festivities aim to unite a polarized nation, though recent polls indicate a significant partisan divide in patriotism.
In Florida, the first group of immigrants has arrived at a new detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The facility, located in the Everglades, has a capacity of 3,000 detainees and features extensive security measures.
Lastly, in a tragic note from Hollywood, actor Michael Madsen has died at 67. Known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films, Madsen’s career spanned more than 300 credits. He was found unresponsive in his Malibu home, with cardiac arrest suspected as the cause of death.
These stories highlight a tumultuous period in both domestic and international arenas, with significant implications for policy, law, and public sentiment.