House Republicans delivered a first-step victory Thursday to President Donald Trump by passing a landmark tax overhaul, but the debate now shifts to the Senate, where a narrower path to success awaits.

Trump had rallied his party footsoldiers barely an hour earlier in the US Capitol, leaning on them to advance the sweeping tax cuts for corporations and individuals as he seeks to lock down a first major legislative win by year's end.

The House of Representatives voted 227 to 205 to pass the legislation, after Trump addressed Republican members in person and urged them to get the measure over the finish line.

Trump, in a tweet, congratulated the House for taking "a big step toward fulfilling our promise to deliver historic TAX CUTS for the American people by the end of the year."

The bill's success also marked a key victory for House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has struggled to get Trump's agenda through Congress.