Democratic Leader Jeffries Delays Trump Tax Bill with Record 8-Hour Speech

On July 3, 2025, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries set a new record with an 8-hour and 44-minute floor speech to delay the vote on President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill," a major tax and spending legislation. Jeffries used this "magic minute" privilege to criticize the bill’s cuts to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and renewable energy, while condemning tax breaks for the wealthy and calling the legislation "immoral." The speech surpassed the previous record held by Kevin McCarthy and delayed the vote from early morning to afternoon hours, frustrating some House members who were unprepared for the extended delay. Jeffries read constituent stories from Republican districts to highlight the potential harm of the bill, which includes significant tax breaks, increased defense spending, and border security funding. Despite the delay and opposition, the bill passed the House and awaits President Trump's signature. The marathon speech provided Democrats a lengthy platform to oppose the Republican agenda ahead of the bill's enactment.