Key Takeaways
- The Republican-led Congress made Trump’s tax cuts permanent, which is projected to slash taxes by $4.5 trillion over the next decade
- The Congress approved a $150 billion infusion for the Pentagon, bringing the U.S. military’s budget to over $1 trillion for the first time
- The legislation authorized $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including hiring ICE agents and conducting mass deportations
- The Congress repealed a record number of federal regulations imposed under the Biden administration, using the Congressional Review Act
- Senate Republicans limited the minority’s power to obstruct or slow down business, including changing Senate rules to allow presidential nominations to be confirmed "en bloc"
Introduction to the 2025 Congressional Session
The year 2025 was a busy and dramatic one for the Republican-led Congress, with several significant actions taken that will have a lasting impact on the country. From approving President Trump’s signature tax-cut and spending legislation to repealing a record number of regulations, the Congress made its mark on various aspects of American life. The party’s narrow House majority fought bitterly among itself, and Congress struggled to achieve bipartisan deals to pass funding bills, leading to a record 43-day shutdown last fall. Despite these challenges, the Congress was able to pass several significant pieces of legislation, including making Trump’s tax cuts permanent and approving a massive spending bill that included a $150 billion infusion for the Pentagon.
Making Trump’s Tax Cuts Permanent
One of the most significant actions taken by the Congress in 2025 was making Trump’s tax cuts permanent. The tax cuts, which were passed in 2017 and were set to expire at the end of 2025, were extended through a bill that passed both chambers with only Republican votes. The bill, which was signed into law on July 4, is projected to slash taxes by $4.5 trillion over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. While the tax extensions affected all levels of income earners, Democrats noted that a disproportionate share of the tax benefits go to the highest earners. The law also includes other provisions, such as a tax deduction for tipped workers, a tax break for seniors, and tax-advantaged "Trump Accounts" for newborns.
Trillion-Dollar Pentagon and Mass Deportations
The spending provisions in the massive law are also significant, including a $150 billion infusion for the Pentagon, which brings the U.S. military’s budget to over $1 trillion for the first time. The legislation also authorized more than $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including hiring ICE agents, conducting raids, and carrying out mass deportations, a cornerstone of Trump’s agenda. Democrats have focused their criticism on the bill’s $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, included to help reduce the red ink. The law also slashes clean energy funding that Democrats passed in 2022. The massive spending bill is a significant victory for Trump and the Republican Party, but it has been met with criticism from Democrats and other opponents who argue that it prioritizes the interests of the wealthy and large corporations over those of ordinary Americans.
Repealing a Record Number of Regulations
In 2025, Republican leaders aggressively used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to fast-track repeal of a record number of federal regulations imposed under the Biden administration. The CRA allows Congress to repeal regulations with a simple majority vote, bypassing the usual legislative process. In 2025, Congress passed 22 CRA resolutions that Trump signed into law, according to the American Action Forum, a conservative group tracking the issue. This is more than the 20 rules repealed through CRA resolutions in the entire history of the law prior to 2025. The repealed regulations span a range of areas, including consumer protection, education, energy, and cybersecurity. Democrats have criticized the use of the CRA, arguing that it allows Republicans to undermine important regulations without proper consideration or debate.
Weakening Minority Power in the Senate
Senate Republicans made several consequential moves in 2025 to limit the minority’s power to obstruct or slow down business. In September, they used the "nuclear option" to change Senate rules and allow presidential nominations for executive branch positions to be confirmed "en bloc" – one vote to confirm an unlimited number of nominees, dispensing with the requirement to debate and process each one individually. This move allowed Republicans to confirm a package of 48 nominees in September and another 97 nominees before adjourning for the year. The Senate majority has also expanded the scope of what the chamber can do with 51 votes, establishing a new budget baseline to slap a $0 price tag on $3.4 trillion in party-line tax cuts, and ignoring the parliamentarian’s opinion about limitations on what can be repealed under the CRA process. Despite these moves, the 60-vote threshold remains intact for most other legislation, as Republican leaders have resisted Trump’s demands to abolish what’s left of the filibuster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2025 congressional session was marked by significant actions taken by the Republican-led Congress, including making Trump’s tax cuts permanent, approving a massive spending bill, repealing a record number of regulations, and weakening minority power in the Senate. While these actions have been met with criticism from Democrats and other opponents, they represent a significant victory for Trump and the Republican Party. As the country looks to the future, it remains to be seen how these actions will impact the economy, the environment, and the lives of ordinary Americans. One thing is certain, however: the 2025 congressional session will be remembered as a significant turning point in American history.