On the Fourth of July, during a White House signing ceremony, House Speaker Mike Johnson handed President Donald Trump a gavel used to enact the “big, beautiful bill,” symbolizing a significant legislative milestone. Johnson said, “Mr. President, this is the gavel used to enact the ‘big, beautiful bill,’” and then presented it to Trump, who immediately tested it with a few quick thumps.
This gesture marked more than a ceremonial tradition; it symbolized a transfer of political power from Congress to the White House. The image underscored the Republican Party’s focus on advancing its priorities, with Congress seemingly ceding more authority to the presidency. Since Trump’s return to office in January, Republicans controlling Congress have shown an unusual willingness to support the president’s agenda, regardless of potential risks.
In recent weeks, Republicans moved swiftly to pass a large package of tax cuts and spending reductions, aiming to get it signed into law before the Fourth of July. Senate confirmations of Trump’s outsider Cabinet nominees proceeded rapidly, despite concerns about some picks such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary and Pete Hegseth for Pentagon chief. House Republicans also pursued investigations into perceived foes, including probing President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen.
However, Congress also paused on some of its own priorities, notably imposing strict sanctions on Russia over its Ukraine war. This occurred after Trump announced he would give Russian President Vladimir Putin an additional 50 days to negotiate a peace deal, dashing hopes for a quick resolution to the conflict.
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