In a razor-thin 215-214 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed what former President Donald Trump called his “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping package of tax cuts, economic reforms, and spending adjustments designed to build on the legacy of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Marketed as a revitalizing force for the American middle class and small businesses, the bill included expanded tax breaks, Medicaid work requirements, changes to green energy credits, and a renewed push for funding border security.
But while the bill ultimately passed, its journey through the House revealed cracks in the Republican façade of unity. Just two Republican members voted against the bill, and a third notably abstained. In a deeply polarized environment, even a trio of dissenters can carry symbolic weight.
The Lone GOP Holdouts: Who They Are
The Republicans who opposed the bill were:
- Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-4)
- Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21)
- Rep. Ken Buck (CO-4) – Abstained
Each of these lawmakers has a reputation for fiscal conservatism and ideological independence. Their reasons for opposing the bill shed light on growing concerns within the GOP about the party’s future direction and commitment to financial responsibility.
1. Thomas Massie – “Liberty Means Living Within Your Means”
Massie’s vote against the bill was no surprise to Capitol Hill observers. A staunch libertarian and member of the House Freedom Caucus, he has consistently warned about America’s ballooning national debt.
“This bill is being sold as a tax cut for the people,” Massie said on the House floor, “but what we’re doing is borrowing from future generations to fund temporary perks that expire in five years while permanent spending continues unchecked.”
His key objections included:
- The bill’s $2.7 trillion projected deficit impact over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
- The elimination of several green energy incentives, which Massie, an MIT-trained engineer, argued should be debated independently.
- Concerns about precedent: “We’re normalizing trillion-dollar deficits under the guise of populism,” he warned.
2. Chip Roy – “Real Conservatism Isn’t About Theater”
Roy, another Freedom Caucus firebrand, has earned a reputation for pushing back against both parties’ leadership when he feels conservative values are compromised. On the day of the vote, Roy issued a fiery statement criticizing what he called “Washington gamesmanship.”
“If Republicans are serious about cutting spending and reining in Washington, we don’t pass $2.7 trillion debt bombs and call them victories.”
Roy was particularly incensed about:
- Medicaid work requirement changes, which he called “watered down,” failing to go far enough.
- Last-minute adjustments to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap, aimed at winning over moderate Republicans from high-tax states. “We shouldn’t be bailing out blue-state tax schemes.”
- A lack of structural entitlement reform, especially regarding Medicare and Social Security, which were untouched in the package.
3. Ken Buck – Silent But Symbolic
Though Rep. Buck didn’t cast a “no” vote, his decision to abstain was seen as a quiet rebuke of the process. Long an advocate of transparency and due deliberation, Buck criticized leadership for forcing a vote before lawmakers had time to fully analyze the amended text.
A spokesperson from Buck’s office stated:
“Rep. Buck believes this legislation needed more scrutiny. A bill of this magnitude should not be passed on a one-day turnaround after 200 pages were added overnight.”
His abstention, while not an outright rejection, contributed to the nail-biting nature of the vote and underscored frustration among some Republicans over how the bill was rushed to the floor.
The Larger Picture: Why These Dissenting Votes Matter
Although just two “no” votes and one abstention may seem minor in a 435-member chamber, the symbolism behind them is significant:
- They expose ideological fault lines between fiscal conservatives and populist Republicans aligning more closely with Trump’s economic message.
- They reflect long-term GOP anxieties over debt, deficits, and the party’s drift from traditional economic orthodoxy.
- They suggest problems ahead in the Senate, where Republican control is tighter and where several GOP senators, including Rand Paul and Mike Lee, have expressed skepticism.
Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the bill’s passage as a triumph. In a celebratory press conference, Trump proclaimed:
“This is a big, beautiful win for America. Lower taxes, stronger borders, and jobs, jobs, jobs.”
However, the narrow passage and intraparty dissent suggest that not all Republicans are convinced. As one senior GOP aide put it: “This bill might have Trump’s name on it, but that doesn’t mean it has unanimous support. There’s still a war for the soul of the Republican Party.”
What’s Next?
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Several senators have voiced concerns mirroring those of Massie and Roy. Budget hawks are expected to demand revisions, especially on the bill’s price tag and the rollback of green tax incentives.
In the meantime, the House Freedom Caucus is planning town halls and media appearances to explain their opposition to constituents and reinforce their fiscal principles.
While Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” survived the House, its journey is far from over. And the handful of Republicans who dared to oppose it have made it clear: their loyalty lies not with any one leader, but with what they believe are the long-term interests of the country.
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