Trump mega-bill takes one step closer to House vote
Getty ImagesA sweeping US tax and spending bill has overcome days of Republican conflict to advance through a key committee and move one step closer to a full vote in the House.
Four hard-line Republican congressmen - who had previously torpedoed progress due to concerns the cuts were not deep enough to reduce the national debt - allowed the bill to go forward on Sunday night.
They voted "present" rather than against the legislation, giving House Speaker Mike Johnson a rare win. But their lack of explicit support points to a bumpy road ahead before the party unites.
The bill would extend tax cuts from President Donald Trump's first term, end taxes on tips and increase military and border spending.
These would be partly paid for by cuts to Medicaid and green subsidies.
Johnson said he expected the Rules Committee to take up the bill on Tuesday or Wednesday, and for the legislation to advance to a floor vote later in the week.
One of the conservative rebels, Chip Roy of Texas, said the hard-liners had received concessions from the leadership that the bill would change in their favour, adding: "The bill does not yet meet the moment."
They want Americans to face stricter work requirements before they can receive Medicaid, and an end to clean energy subsidies introduced under the previous president, Democrat Joe Biden.
The other flank of the Republican Party is also unhappy, with a provision in the bill that triples the local tax deduction from $10,000 (£7,500) to $30,000 for couples.
A group of moderates from states with high taxes, like New York and California, have objected because they want a higher cap.
Analysts suggest the bill could add $3-5tn to the national debt, which is above $35tn and climbing.
Influential ratings firm Moody's cited the rising debt as a factor when it downgraded its US credit rating on Friday.
If the bill passes the House when put to the floor, it will then go to the Senate for passage before it ends up on the president's desk.