Against odds that at times seemed improbable, the president achieved his goal of celebrating a historic — and divisive — legislative victory in time for the nation's birthday, which also was his self-imposed deadline for Congress to send the legislation to his desk.

The GOP megabill has new tax breaks aimed at low- and moderate-income households, and spending cuts that could make it harder for some to receive public assistance or hold onto health insurance.

WASHINGTON, July 3 (Reuters) - Republicans in the House of Representatives advanced U.S. President Donald Trump 's massive tax-cut and spending bill toward a final yes-or-no vote early Thursday morning, appearing to overcome internal party divisions over its cost.