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**Trump’s Tax-Cut Bill Advances Despite Debt Concerns and Republican Infighting**

**Washington, D.C.** – A controversial tax-cut bill championed by former President Donald Trump has cleared a key hurdle in the House of Representatives, advancing from a congressional committee after a tense Sunday night vote. The bill’s passage marks a significant victory for Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, but it comes amidst stark warnings about its potential impact on the national debt and deep divisions within the Republican party.

The bill, which extends the 2017 tax cuts, narrowly passed the House Budget Committee by a 17-16 vote, with all Democrats opposing it. Earlier in the day, hardline Republican conservatives had initially blocked the bill over disagreements regarding spending cuts to Medicaid and the repeal of green energy tax credits. A compromise was reached, and four hardliners voted “present” to allow the bill to move forward.

“We’ve made some minor modifications, not a huge thing,” Johnson told reporters shortly before the vote.

However, nonpartisan analysts project the bill would add an estimated $3 to $5 trillion to the nation’s already massive $36.2 trillion debt over the next decade. This projection comes on the heels of a credit rating downgrade by Moody’s, which cited the rising debt as a major factor.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed Moody’s downgrade and argued that the bill would stimulate economic growth sufficient to offset any increase in debt. However, economic experts warn that the downgrade, following similar actions by Fitch Ratings and S&P, signals the urgent need for lawmakers to address the nation’s debt through either increased revenues or spending cuts.

The Republican party is deeply divided over how to address the financial fallout of the bill, with hardliners pushing for deep cuts to programs like Medicaid. Some Republicans are concerned that these cuts could hurt the voters who elected Trump and whose support they will need in the 2026 congressional elections.

According to the bill’s current language, 8.6 million people would lose Medicaid coverage. In addition to extending the tax cuts, the bill aims to eliminate taxes on tips and some overtime income while boosting defense spending and funding Trump’s border security measures.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy criticized the bill stating, “That is a big deal. That means that we are likely headed for a recession. These guys are running the economy recklessly.”

The bill now faces a vote in the full House of Representatives, where its fate remains uncertain amidst the ongoing Republican divisions.

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