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.

On July 3, Fitzpatrick was the only Republican opposed to the rule that set up a straight up-or-down vote on the Senate's version of the bill. The near unanimity came after Trump hosted skeptical lawmakers at the White House to answer their questions, worked the phones overnight and cheered the vote through social media.

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.