What Republicans Voted Against the Bill Today? On July 3, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping legislative package that combined tax cuts, increased funding for border security and defense, and significant reductions to social programs like Medicaid. The bill, often referred to as Trump’s “megabill,” squeaked through with a tight 218-214 vote, marking a major victory for the Republican majority and Trump’s second-term agenda.
However, not all Republicans were on board. Two GOP lawmakers—Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky—stood out by voting against the bill, defying party pressure and drawing attention for their dissent. Let’s dive into who these lawmakers are, why they opposed the bill, and what this means in the broader political context.
Table of Contents
The Context of the Vote
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” was a cornerstone of Trump’s legislative priorities, designed to deliver on campaign promises like permanent tax cuts from his first term, increased immigration enforcement, and a boost in military spending. At an estimated cost of $4.5 trillion, the bill also included controversial cuts to programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which sparked fierce opposition from Democrats and some concern among Republicans.
The Congressional Budget Office projected that the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over a decade, a point of contention for fiscal conservatives. Despite these concerns, Republican leadership, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, worked tirelessly to unify the party, with Trump himself exerting significant pressure, including a late-night Truth Social post urging Republicans to vote “YES.”
The bill’s passage required near-unanimous GOP support, as no Democrats crossed the aisle to back it. With such a narrow margin, every Republican vote was critical, making the dissent of Fitzpatrick and Massie particularly noteworthy. Their decisions to vote against the bill reflect a mix of ideological principles, constituent concerns, and political calculations.
Who Are the Two Republicans?
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
Brian Fitzpatrick, representing Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District in the Philadelphia suburbs, is known as a moderate Republican. His district is a swing area, politically competitive and sensitive to policy shifts that could affect middle-class and working-class voters. Fitzpatrick initially supported the House’s version of the bill in May 2025 but flipped his stance when the Senate’s revised version came to the floor. His primary objection was the Senate’s deeper cuts to Medicaid, a program that provides healthcare to millions of low-income, elderly, and disabled Americans. In Pennsylvania, over 3 million people rely on Medicaid, and Fitzpatrick’s district includes constituents who could be directly impacted by these reductions.
Fitzpatrick’s vote against the bill was a calculated move to protect his political standing in a district where voters prioritize healthcare access. By siding with Democrats on this issue, he positioned himself as a pragmatic lawmaker willing to break ranks with his party to defend his constituents’ interests. However, this decision also risks backlash from the GOP base, especially given Trump’s vocal support for the bill.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.)
Thomas Massie, representing Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, is a fiscal conservative with a libertarian streak. Known for his independent streak, Massie has often clashed with Republican leadership on issues of government spending and debt. His opposition to the megabill stemmed from its projected $3.3 trillion addition to the national debt, which he argued was fiscally irresponsible. Massie’s district, which includes rural and suburban areas, has a significant number of Medicaid recipients—1.4 million Kentuckians rely on the program—but his vote was driven more by his long-standing commitment to reducing federal spending than by specific program cuts.
Massie’s dissent was less surprising than Fitzpatrick’s, given his history of voting against party-line bills that increase deficits. He faced intense pressure from Trump and House leadership but held firm, citing the bill’s failure to go far enough in cutting spending. His vote underscores the tension within the GOP between Trump loyalists and fiscal hawks who prioritize budgetary restraint.
Why Their Votes Matter
The dissent of Fitzpatrick and Massie highlights the challenges of maintaining party unity on a bill as sprawling and contentious as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” While only two Republicans voted against it, nearly a dozen initially expressed reservations, and it took an overnight scramble by Speaker Johnson to secure the necessary votes. The narrow margin—218-214—shows how close the bill came to failing, underscoring the GOP’s slim majority and the influence of individual lawmakers.
Fitzpatrick’s vote reflects the concerns of moderate Republicans in competitive districts, who must balance party loyalty with the need to appeal to centrist voters. His focus on Medicaid cuts signals that healthcare remains a potent issue, even within the GOP. Massie’s vote, on the other hand, represents the fiscal conservative wing, which is wary of ballooning deficits despite Trump’s push for tax cuts and increased spending in certain areas.
Broader Implications
The passage of the bill, despite these defections, is a significant win for Trump and Speaker Johnson, who navigated internal party divisions and Democratic resistance, including an eight-hour speech by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. However, the dissent of Fitzpatrick and Massie could foreshadow future challenges for the GOP as it seeks to implement Trump’s ambitious agenda. If more Republicans break ranks on issues like debt, healthcare, or immigration, the party’s narrow House majority could face repeated tests.
Moreover, the bill’s projected $3.3 trillion debt increase and cuts to social programs are likely to remain flashpoints in the 2026 midterms. Democrats are already framing the bill as a “giveaway to the wealthy” that harms vulnerable Americans, while Republicans argue it will spur economic growth. The votes of Fitzpatrick and Massie may resonate with voters who share their concerns about fiscal responsibility or healthcare access, potentially shaping the GOP’s internal debates moving forward.
What’s Next?
With the bill now headed to Trump’s desk for a ceremonial signing on July 4, 2025, attention will shift to its implementation and long-term effects. For Fitzpatrick and Massie, their votes may have political consequences—praise from some constituents, criticism from Trump loyalists, and scrutiny in their respective districts. As the GOP navigates its slim majority, the actions of these two lawmakers serve as a reminder that even in a polarized Congress, individual convictions can still make waves.
FAQs
- Why did Brian Fitzpatrick vote against the bill?
Fitzpatrick opposed the bill due to the Senate’s deeper cuts to Medicaid, which he believed would harm his constituents in Pennsylvania’s 1st District, a swing area where healthcare is a key issue. - What was Thomas Massie’s reason for opposing the bill?
Massie voted against it because of its projected $3.3 trillion addition to the national debt, aligning with his fiscal conservative principles and concerns about government spending. - How close was the vote on the “One Big Beautiful Bill”?
The bill passed the House by a narrow 218-214 vote, with only two Republicans—Fitzpatrick and Massie—joining all Democrats in opposition. - Did any other Republicans consider voting against the bill?
Yes, nearly a dozen House Republicans initially expressed concerns, and some opposed a procedural vote to advance the bill. However, most flipped to “yes” after pressure from Trump and party leadership. - What happens now that the bill has passed?
The bill is set to be signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. Its provisions, including tax cuts and Medicaid reductions, will begin to take effect, with potential impacts on the economy and social programs.
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