Virginia leaders react to Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ megabill passing in House

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" -- the core of Trump's domestic policy agenda -- in a close vote on Thursday, resulting in continued either praise or disappointment from Virginia leaders on both sides.

In a 218-214 vote after more than a year of intense planning by GOP lawmakers and overnight deliberation in the House -- over 24 hours in session -- the passing of Trump's "big, beautiful bill" came only a few days after the Senate passed it on Monday, July 1.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) commandeered the chamber for eight hours and 44 minutes, according to The Hill, in an attempt to delay the final vote.

The bill includes tax cuts, boosts border security and defense programs, restricts Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and more. The legislation is set to head to Trump's desk on Fourth of July.

In a joint statement from Democratic Sen. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, they further condemned the bill, emphasizing that it would hurt health care and cut nutrition assistance. This comes after both voted "no" on the bill and introduced multiple amendments, which were blocked by Republicans.

“With today’s vote, Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are one step closer to passing their bill to explode the debt and kill tens of thousands of jobs and rip health care and nutrition assistance away from hundreds of thousands of people in Virginia alone," Warner and Kaine said. Our constituents deserve better than a Congress and President willing to sell out America’s well-being and future to give the ultra-wealthy a tax handout. The consequences of this legislation will be stark—and Americans will know who is to blame.”

Bobby Scott (VA-03) voted against the bill on a statement to 8News and emphasized the consequences this will have on working American families, with an emphasis on over 322,000 Virginians losing health insurance and less affordable college.

“This bill is a collection of policies that will harm America’s working families, bestow tax breaks on the wealthy, and significantly increase the national debt," Scott said. Every single Democrat in Congress voted against it, while almost every Republican in Congress voted for it while having the audacity to try to call the legislation ‘beautiful.’”

In a social post, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-03) called some policy positions in the megabill one of "great wins for America."

"Although it is not perfect, the majority of policy positions included in this one bill are great wins for America, and I was proud to cast my ONE vote in support!" she wrote, and further emphasized the tax cuts, increased funding for border security and reforms to government funded programs, including Medicaid, as the "most important wins."

After sharing support for the bill before it passed, Congressman John McGuire (VA-05) shared his support following the bill's passing in the House, for the bill over social media before it passed, emphasizing the tax revenue for families at home.

"Promises made, promises kept. Congressional Republicans and President Trump delivered for the American people by passing the one 'big, beautiful bill.' The One Bill Beautiful Act prevents the largest tax increase on middle- and working-class Americans in our nation's history. This legislation includes no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and a tax deduction for seniors. This allows American families to save more of the money they earned. Additionally, this legislation includes historic spending reforms that secure over $1 trillion in savings, secure our border, and provide for American energy dominance. The 'one big, beautiful' bill truly invests in American workers, businesses, and families. Thank you to President Trump for putting America first.

Democratic nominee for Attorney General, Jay Jones, called this passing a "complete betrayal of Virginia families" and blamed current Attorney General Jason Miyares, whom he called "complicit."

“Miyares fought against improving access to quality, affordable healthcare for Virginians – including opposing Medicaid expansion and attempting to pass the same schemes MAGA Republicans in Washington are using right now to gut Medicaid," Jones said. "Now, as Republicans gut healthcare from more than 302,000 people across the Commonwealth and put five rural hospitals at risk of shutting their doors – all to pay for tax cuts for big corporations and MAGA donors – Miyares will do nothing to help Virginia’s working families.

According to The Hill, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-S.C.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) were the only two Republican, who voted against Trump's megabill.

"The Promises Made, Promises Kept President. Lower taxes for families and small businesses, a secure border, American energy dominance, and rocket fuel for our economy," said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in a social post on Thursday. "Congratulations President Donald J. Trump on this one big beautiful bill for America, and thank you Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader John Thune for your leadership."

Former Congresswoman and Democratic candidate for governor Abigail Spanberger emphasized the threat that this poses on health insurance for hundreds of thousands of Virginians.

“Virginians deserve a Governor who understands, not ignores or dismisses, the severe consequences of this bill. They deserve a Governor who recognizes the severity of this moment — for the health of our neighbors with chronic conditions, the fiscal health of our Commonwealth, and even the ability of Virginia’s food banks to feed those who are hungry. Right now, any Governor or Lieutenant Governor of Virginia should be standing up for the people they were elected to represent and preparing for the many challenges ahead. As the next Governor of Virginia, I will never put politics before my obligations to the health, safety, and financial security of every Virginian in our Commonwealth.” Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger

She further thanked every Democratic Member of Virginia’s congressional delegation for voting against this bill.

8News has reached out to Virginia's Republican gubernatorial candidate and current lieutenant governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, for comment. This article will be updated with her response.