Senate Republicans have narrowly advanced a significant budget bill that plays a crucial role in President Donald Trump’s agenda for a potential second term, aiming to meet a self-imposed deadline of July 4. In a tight 51-49 vote, primarily along party lines, the Senate has agreed to begin debate on the legislation, marking an important first step that Republicans worked diligently to navigate. Notably, two Republicans broke ranks with their party to vote against the bill.
Party leadership put considerable effort into securing support for the initial vote on the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which was released just after midnight in a lengthy 940-page document. The GOP remains divided over the extent of cuts to welfare programs that would be necessary to sustain $3.8 trillion in tax breaks proposed by Trump.
The fate of the bill in the Senate remains unclear as Republicans dispute its provisions. Vice-President JD Vance arrived at the Capitol on Saturday night to cast a tiebreaking vote if necessary, but party leaders ultimately managed to secure majority support without him. In response to the bill, Democrats plan to prolong the legislative process, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stating that his party will require Republicans to read the nearly 1,000-page document aloud before any debate or final vote can take place. Additionally, some House Republicans are voicing concerns regarding changes made in the Senate version of the bill. The extensive tax and spending package narrowly passed the House last month by just one vote. The Senate’s modifications aim to resolve internal Republican disagreements, yet party leaders continue to face challenges in garnering sufficient votes. Meanwhile, the White House has issued a memo endorsing the latest revisions and urging for the bill’s passage.
The memo reportedly cautioned that not approving the budget “would be the ultimate betrayal.” Both Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina sided with Democrats in opposing the bill. Following the Senate vote, President Trump expressed his disapproval of Tillis’s decision on Truth Social, stating it was a “BIG MISTAKE.” He announced plans to meet with potential primary challengers for “Senator Thom” Tillis.
While some Republicans remained skeptical, the bill did manage to secure support from centrist Republicans such as Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin initially voted against the measure but later changed his stance at the close of the voting session. The revised version aimed to gain favor with Republican holdouts, incorporating amendments based on feedback from the Senate parliamentarian, who ensures compliance with legislative procedures.
Key changes include increased funding for rural hospitals, addressing concerns raised by moderates about potential negative impacts on their constituents. Additionally, adjustments were made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which assists low-income Americans with food benefits; the latest bill would temporarily exempt Alaska and Hawaii from a proposed requirement for states to contribute to funding, a request put forth by Alaska’s Republican senators.
The legislation retains essential elements, such as extending tax cuts from 2017 and introducing new cuts, including a tax deduction for Social Security benefits and the elimination of taxes on overtime and tips. Controversial provisions regarding Medicaid, which serves millions of elderly, disabled, and low-income Americans, remain. Critics, including Democrats, argue that these measures will hinder access to affordable healthcare for many, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that 7.8 million people could lose their insurance due to Medicaid cuts. Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, took to social media to highlight that the bill includes “the largest healthcare cuts in history.”
Elon Musk also voiced criticism on X, asserting that the bill “will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harms to our country,” specifically taking issue with the proposed taxes on solar and wind energy initiatives.The bill now requires a simple majority to pass in the Senate. With Republicans holding 53 out of 100 seats, plus the tiebreaking vote from Vice-President JD Vance, the party can only allow three members to defect.