logo
US Congress approves Trump's 'Big, Beautiful' tax and spending bill

US Congress approves Trump's 'Big, Beautiful' tax and spending bill

The National2 days ago
US President Donald Trump secured a significant win on Thursday after Republicans voted to approve his tax and spending bill, cementing his second-term agenda and boosting funds for his anti-immigration drive.
The One Big Beautiful Bill, as Mr Trump called it, had a difficult journey, with complete Democratic opposition and several Republicans voicing misgivings about its costs and effects.
It is expected to add an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade on to the country's fast-growing deficits, while shrinking the food stamps programme and forcing through the largest cuts to the Medicaid health insurance scheme for low-income Americans since its 1960s launch.
The bill will be a major landmark in Mr Trump's political life, and comes after he scored recent major wins, including in the Supreme Court and with US strikes that led to a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Speaker Mike Johnson struggled through the night to gather his rank-and-file Republican members after the package scraped past a series of 'test' votes in the House of Representatives that laid bare deep divisions in the party.
But after its last procedural hurdle in the early hours of Thursday, the bill was approved in a final vote of 218-214. It now heads to Mr Trump's desk to be signed into law.
The bill honours many of his campaign pledges, including cutting tax on tips, boosting military spending, funding a mass migrant deportation drive and committing $4.5 trillion to extend his first-term tax relief.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

OPEC+ speeds up oil output hikes, adds 548,000 bpd in August
OPEC+ speeds up oil output hikes, adds 548,000 bpd in August

ARN News Center

timean hour ago

  • ARN News Center

OPEC+ speeds up oil output hikes, adds 548,000 bpd in August

OPEC+ agreed on Saturday to raise production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, further accelerating output increases at its first meeting since oil prices jumped - and then retreated - following Israeli and US attacks on Iran. The group, which pumps about half of the world's oil, has been curtailing production since 2022 to support the market. But it has reversed course this year to regain market share and as US President Donald Trump demanded the group pump more to help keep gasoline prices lower. The production boost will come from eight members of the group - UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Algeria. The eight started to unwind their most recent layer of cuts of 2.2 million bpd in April. The August increase represents a jump from monthly increases of 411,000 bpd OPEC+ had approved for May, June and July, and 138,000 bpd in April. OPEC+ cited a steady global economic outlook and healthy market fundamentals, including low oil inventories, as reasons for releasing more oil. The acceleration came after some OPEC+ members, such as Kazakhstan and Iraq, produced above their targets, angering other members that were sticking to cuts, sources have said. Kazakh output returned to growth last month and matched an all-time high. OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, wants to expand market share amid growing supplies from rival producers like the United States, sources have said. With the August increase, OPEC+ will have released 1.918 million bpd since April, which leaves just 280,000 bpd to be released from the 2.2 million bpd cut. On top of that, OPEC+ allowed the UAE to increase output by 300,000 bpd. The group still has in place other layers of cuts amounting to 3.66 million bpd. The group of eight OPEC+ members will next meet on August 3.

'I was moved around like cattle,' says stateless Palestinian woman detained by ICE
'I was moved around like cattle,' says stateless Palestinian woman detained by ICE

The National

timean hour ago

  • The National

'I was moved around like cattle,' says stateless Palestinian woman detained by ICE

A stateless Palestinian woman who grew up in the US was released this week from American immigration detention after four months in custody. Ward Sakeik, 22, a resident of Texas whose family is originally from Gaza, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when she returned from her honeymoon in the US Virgin Islands in February. 'I was criminalised for being stateless, something that I absolutely have no control over,' she said at a press conference after her release on Thursday. 'I didn't choose to be stateless … I had no choice. 'I've been a resident of the United States since I was eight years old. I went to college, I run a successful wedding photography business here in [Dallas-Fort Worth], and I recently married Taahir [Shaikh],' she said. 'My family did come here in 2011 seeking asylum, and we have followed all immigration policies and have complied with every single thing, every single document, every single piece of paper, every single thing that was thrown at us,' she said. According to media reports, the family came to the US from Saudi Arabia, where Ms Sakeik was born. They were denied asylum but were allowed to remain in Texas as long as they reported every year to immigration authorities. Ms Sakeik said she was already in the process of obtaining a Green Card for permanent residency when she was arrested at Miami airport. 'I was handcuffed for 16 hours without any water or food on the bus,' said Ms Sakeik, who owns a home in Texas. She said she was not given the option to call a lawyer or her husband. 'We were not given water or food, and we would smell the driver eating. We would ask for water, bang on the door for food, and he would just turn up the radio and act like he wasn't listening to us.' She said immigration officials attempted to deport her twice. She was taken to the airport and told she was being deported to 'the border with Israel' on June 12, hours before the start of the Israel-Iran war that disrupted air travel in the region. Her lawyers said immigration officials prepared to deport her again on June 30, despite a judge's order barring her removal. Ms Sakeik said she was 'moved around like cattle. The US government tried to dump me in a part of the world where I had no idea where I was going, what I was doing.' The Department of Homeland Security said Ms Sakeik was flagged because she 'chose to fly over international waters and outside the US customs zone and was then flagged by CBP [Customs and Border Protection] trying to re-enter the continental US'. 'The facts are: she is in our country illegally. She overstayed her visa and has had a final order by an immigration judge for over a decade,' Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

Which Stores Are Open on 4th of July 2025?
Which Stores Are Open on 4th of July 2025?

UAE Moments

timean hour ago

  • UAE Moments

Which Stores Are Open on 4th of July 2025?

🎆 The 4th of July is all about fireworks, grilling, and time with family, but sometimes you realize you forgot the burger buns or need extra sunscreen before heading to the lake. While many businesses close or operate with reduced hours on Independence Day, many national chains remain open for your last-minute runs. Here's your 2025 guide on which stores are open on the 4th of July so you can plan errands without interrupting your celebrations. 🛍️ Grocery Stores Open on the 4th of July Most major grocery chains remain open with holiday hours on July 4: Walmart: Open regular hours, but some pharmacies inside may close early. Target: Most locations are open, but closing times may vary (check your local store). Kroger and affiliates (Fred Meyer, King Soopers): Open, with potential early closing hours. Whole Foods: Open, but stores may close early (often 8 PM). Trader Joe's: Open with reduced hours, usually 8 AM – 5 PM. Safeway & Albertsons: Generally open, but pharmacy hours vary. Publix: Open, often until 9 PM. Costco: Closed on the 4th of July. Sam's Club: Closed on the 4th of July. 🏬 Retail Stores Open on Independence Day For last-minute supplies or summer deals, many retail stores keep their doors open: Home Depot: Open with regular hours, perfect for BBQ supplies or outdoor essentials. Lowe's: Open, typically following standard hours. Best Buy: Open, but may have reduced hours. CVS & Walgreens: Open, including most 24-hour locations, but pharmacy hours may vary. Dollar General & Family Dollar: Open, with normal or slightly reduced hours. Ace Hardware: Most locations open, hours vary. Macy's: Open, often with holiday sales. Bed Bath & Beyond: Many locations open with reduced hours. 🚫 Stores Closed on the 4th of July While many stores remain open, these commonly close: Costco: Closed nationwide on Independence Day. Sam's Club: Closed. Some local small businesses and specialty shops may close or operate on limited hours, so it's best to call ahead. ✅ Check your local store hours online or by calling, as holiday schedules vary by location. ✅ Go early to avoid crowds and ensure you get last-minute essentials before cookouts. ✅ Look for Independence Day sales on grills, patio furniture, and summer essentials at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Macy's. ✅ Pharmacies inside grocery stores may close earlier than the store itself. Independence Day is for celebrating, not stressing over forgotten items. With many grocery, pharmacy, and retail stores open on the 4th of July 2025, you can quickly grab what you need without missing the fireworks. Plan ahead, double-check store hours, and enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday with your family.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store