US Republicans in the House of Representatives slowly inched closer to passing President Donald Trump's tax-cut and spending bill late on Tuesday, but fell short of passing it.

Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social around midnight Washington time (0400 GMT) to lash out.

"Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy. What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" he said. 

Republican leaders tried convincing holdouts to back the bill as a procedural vote was kept open for more than seven hours. All the House Democrats, and a few Republicans who are wary of deficit spending, are against the bill. 

"Everybody wants to get to yes," House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News in an interview. 

An initial procedural measure later passed 220-212, which indicated Trump may have won over some voters, but is not a guarantee the bill will pass a final vote to become law.

Members then voted on another preliminary measure required to move the bill to the main vote, but five Republican defectors voted against it, stalling it again. 

Trump had pushed for the 800-page bill to be at his desk for his final approval by July 4, when the US celebrates its Independence Day.

The bill had narrowly passed the Senate vote after Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, following a marathon session of debate and revisions. 

The bill, dubbed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," calls for tax breaks and increases in defense spending and immigration enforcement, which will be offset by cuts to health care and other social services.

Much of Trump's second term has so far been marked by executive orders, which are presidential instructions with the force of laws that don't need the approval of Congress. However, having this major spending and tax bill passed by Congress will finance a huge chunk of his presidential campaign promises. 

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill includes $4.5 trillion (roughly €3.8 trillion) in tax cuts, making Trump's 2017 tax rates from his first term permanent, while adding new cuts like no taxes on tips, overtime and social security.

It also allocates $150 billion for defense, and $175 billion for border security.

Among the more controversial aspects are changes to Medicaid, which is government subsidized health care for low-income groups. The bill calls for stricter access requirements, and will impose $1.2 trillion in cuts to the program.

The CBO has estimated that the alterations to Medicaid mean 12 million people will lose access to health insurance over the next decade.

The CBO also estimates the bill will add $3.3 trillion to the national debt.

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher