President Donald Trump touted Republicans' passage of the $3.3 trillion spending package [ADD QUOTE] during his address from the Iowa State Fairgrounds Thursday evening, meant to kick off a year's worth of patriotic celebrations honoring the country's founding 250 years ago.
Earlier today, Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to pass the Senate-approved version of the Trump-endorsed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Only two Republicans were opposed.
It followed days of ongoing debate, sometimes lasting into the wee hours of the night, after the Senate approved the GOP spending package earlier this week.
The bill is expected to be signed by the president during an official signing ceremony tomorrow afternoon on the Fourth of July holiday.
Trump's speech kicks off a series of events that will take place over the next year, focused on celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebrations are being spearheaded by the America250 commission, a bipartisan cohort of private citizens and lawmakers.
"This momentous gathering in the heartland signals the beginning of an extraordinary year ahead – one where America250 will unite our nation through events in every state and territory, culminating in the most monumental celebration our Country has ever known," America250 said of Trump's visit on Thursday.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES HE WILL KICK OFF INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND WITH 'VERY SPECIAL' PATRIOTIC EVENT
The celebration comes after Trump held a military parade honoring the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, which included tanks chugging down the streets of Washington, D.C., military flyovers and a grand fireworks display over the National Mall. The parade was held on Flag Day, which also marked Trump's 79th birthday.
Other patriotic events are already on America250's schedule as a year of celebration kicks off on July 3, including an ongoing Department of Transportation’s Great American Road Trip initiative, which encourages Americans to explore the nation’s highways and byways, as well as a 4th of July celebration at President George Washington's Mount Vernon, and historical battle reenactments.
"I am thrilled to announce that I will be traveling to one of my favorite places in the World, beautiful Iowa, on Thursday, July 3rd, to kick off the very beginning of our exciting Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary!" Trump posted to Truth Social Tuesday afternoon.
"Iowa voted for me THREE TIMES, because they love my Policies for our Wonderful Farmers and Small Businesses, and they LOVE AMERICA! This will be a very special event, honoring our Great Country, and our Brave Heroes who fought to keep us FREE," he continued, and included a link for people to RSVP. "I’ll also tell you some of the GREAT things I’ve already done on Trade, especially as it relates to Farmers. You are going to be very happy with what I say – Should be a BIG Crowd!"
"As we celebrate tonight, we also think of the hundreds of thousands of Army soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation and selflessly laid down their lives in every war, from the revolution to the war on terror, to the Gold Star families with us today," he said.
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Earlier today, Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to pass the Senate-approved version of the Trump-endorsed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Only two Republicans were opposed.
It followed days of ongoing debate, sometimes lasting into the wee hours of the night, after the Senate approved the GOP spending package earlier this week.
The bill is expected to be signed by the president during an official signing ceremony tomorrow afternoon on the Fourth of July holiday.
"We're signing at about five o'clock, and at about five o'clock we're going to have B-2s and F22s and F35s flying right over the White House," Trump said before boarding Air Force One to head to the vent in Iowa. "And the Speaker and I, and John Thune, we're all there together with most – I think most Republican senators in Congress – men and women – and it's going to be a great day. So we'll be signing with those beautiful planes flying right over our head."
Temperatures were in the mid-90s ahead of Trump's Thursday night address.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on BBB passage: "It is going to be one big celebration tonight in Iowa. What a testament to [President Trump's] leadership. Promises made, promises kept. And, really, the success that [the president] has seen since he was sworn into office. It's incredible what he's been able to get done."
People have been lining up since this morning to get into the Iowa State Fairgrounds where Trump is speaking.
In attendance at the event were members of President Trump's cabinet, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Energy Secretary Doug Burgum, as well as numerous members of the GOP's Iowa congressional delegation.
Lee Greenwood, known for his song titled "God Bless the USA" that is frequently used by the president at his rallies, will be performing and there will also be fireworks.
"Every other country celebrates their victories," Trump said during the parade last month. "It's about time America did too – that's what we're doing tonight." — COMMENT MADE AT MILITARY PARADE
The Republicans in the House of Representatives have just passed the "ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT." Our Party is UNITED like never before and, our Country is "HOT." We are going to have a Signing Celebration at the White House tomorrow, at 4 P.M. EST. All Congressmen/women and Senators are invited. Together, we will celebrate our Nation’s Independence, and the beginning of our new Golden Age. The people of the United States of America will be Richer, Safer, and Prouder than ever before. Thank you to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and all of the wonderful Republican Members of Congress who helped us deliver on our Promises, and so much more. Together, we can do things that were not even imagined possible less than one year ago. We will keep working, and winning — CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!
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