House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dramatically stalled President Donald Trump’s $3.3 trillion “big, beautiful bill” for hours on Thursday, just after House Republicans overcame a major internal mutiny that had threatened to derail the legislation. The bill, a sweeping package of tax cuts, border security measures, and spending reforms, had faced fierce resistance from a faction of conservative Republicans concerned about its fiscal impact and perceived compromises on Medicaid and green energy subsidies. After days of tense negotiations and late-night deals, GOP leaders managed to secure enough support to advance the bill to the House floor, setting the stage for a final vote.

As the House prepared for the decisive vote, Jeffries seized the floor using the “magic minute” rule, which allows party leaders to speak for an unlimited time. Beginning his speech just before 5 a.m., Jeffries launched a marathon filibuster, denouncing the bill as an “immoral document” and vowing to fight it “with everything we have on behalf of the American people.” His speech, which stretched for more than eight hours, was aimed at forcing Republicans to hold the vote during daylight hours, rather than in the early morning when public scrutiny would be lower.

Throughout his address, Jeffries highlighted stories from Americans who would be affected by the bill’s proposed Medicaid cuts and other provisions. He accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over the needs of working families, and questioned why the debate had begun in the middle of the night. The delay frustrated GOP leaders, who had hoped to move swiftly to a final vote after finally quelling the rebellion within their ranks.

Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump worked behind the scenes to maintain party unity and keep the fragile coalition together. The House floor remained tense as Democrats used every procedural tool available to slow the process, while Republicans anxiously awaited the opportunity to deliver Trump’s first major legislative victory of his second term. The outcome remained uncertain as the hours ticked by, with both sides bracing for a dramatic showdown.