WASHINGTON – House Republicans defended a bill that would enact sweeping tax cuts, raise the debt ceiling, and add restrictions to benefit programs during a heated marathon day of committee hearings on Capitol Hill.

Three key panels are addressing some of the thorniest issues poised to make or break the Republicans' massive bill for Trump's agenda.

Energy and Commerce Republicans’ plans also include more frequent eligibility checks: every six months instead of the current every 12 months standard for the Medicaid expansion population.