Key takeaways
– Rep Tim Burchett warns of flight delays due to a lengthy House speech
– House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has spoken for over seven hours
– Republicans now stand more united as the megabill nears final approval
Burchett Voices Frustration on Newsmax
Rep Tim Burchett spoke on Newsmax Thursday to complain about long speeches on the House floor. He said he and other GOP members may miss their flights home. He noted that many Democrats live in Washington and do not worry about rushing back to their districts. In his view, leaders should consider the rest of the lawmakers who must travel after votes.
Meanwhile, Burchett said he doubts the filibuster will end soon. He joked that Hakeem Jeffries will keep talking until after one thirty in the afternoon. He also said that leadership often overlooks the needs of members who do not live in town. As a result, some lawmakers may stay in Washington longer than planned.
What Is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, is a major budget package. It would extend corporate tax cuts and reduce funding for safety net programs like Medicaid. President Trump supports the measure and may sign it soon if it reaches his desk. The bill passed its first hurdle, and members will soon vote on its final form.
In addition, the OBBBA uses reconciliation to avoid a Senate filibuster. This process lets the House pass budget bills with a simple majority. It also means the package can move faster. However, Democrats are trying to slow the process through extended debate.
Jeffries Seeks Record Filibuster
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched a marathon speech against the megabill. He is using a rule called the magic minute to speak as long as he wishes. This loophole lets him pause only to introduce new points or take brief breaks. As of early Thursday, he had spoken for more than seven hours.
Moreover, Jeffries aims to outdo the previous record held by Kevin McCarthy in 2021. McCarthy spoke for about eight and a half hours. If Jeffries keeps going, he could set a new high mark. He also hopes to draw attention to cuts in health care and other programs.
Bill Moves Closer to Final Vote
Despite the filibuster, Republicans have rallied to back the bill’s next step. House Speaker Mike Johnson convinced several dissenters to support moving the package forward. As a result, the measure will likely reach a final vote soon. If it passes, the bill will head to President Trump.
Although some lawmakers worried earlier whether enough Republicans would vote yes, those concerns faded. Now the House seems poised to advance the bill by a slim majority. The quick votes could take place within minutes after Jeffries ends his speech.
Filibuster Unites Republicans
The drawn-out debate appears to have strengthened GOP unity on the bill. Vice President JD Vance shared a message from a Republican lawmaker who switched from no to yes. The lawmaker said the long discussion convinced them to back the measure. As a result, the filibuster may have sped the vote rather than stalled it.
Furthermore, party leaders say the record attempt has boosted morale among supporters. They now work together more closely to push the bill forward. In this way, what began as a delay tactic may turn into a rallying point.
What Happens Next
Once Jeffries finishes his speech, House members will vote on final passage. Republicans hold a narrow majority, and leaders have lined up enough votes to win. If the bill passes, it moves to the Senate and then to President Trump for his signature.
In the end, Jeffries’ effort might go down in history as one of the longest House speeches ever. However, it seems unlikely to stop the OBBBA from moving forward. Lawmakers will soon head home, and most will catch their flights after the votes.