In a dramatic late-night vote on Saturday, Senate Republicans narrowly cleared a key hurdle to advance President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax cuts and spending bill, keeping his July 4 deadline in sight.
The vote—51 to 49—followed hours of behind-the-scenes negotiations, as Republican leaders scrambled to unify their party. Vice President JD Vance was on hand to break a potential tie, but ultimately wasn’t needed. Two Republicans, Senators Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Rand Paul (Ky.), broke ranks and voted with Democrats to oppose the motion to proceed.
Despite internal GOP divisions and vocal criticism from Democrats and outside voices, including Elon Musk, the vote moved forward what Trump has dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—a 940-page legislative package combining $3.8 trillion in extended tax breaks, deep domestic spending cuts, and $350 billion in national security funds, including for mass deportations.
GOP Pushes Ahead Despite Fractures
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) called it time to “get this legislation across the finish line,” but Republicans face a tough road ahead. Their slim majorities in both chambers leave no room for error, especially with some in the party balking at cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy programs.
Sen. Tillis said he could not support the bill as written, citing “grave concerns” over Medicaid cuts that would impact low-income families in his state. Sen. Paul objected to the bill’s provision to raise the national debt ceiling by $5 trillion.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who initially opposed the measure, reversed course after private discussions with party leaders. Meanwhile, GOP holdouts like Rick Scott (Fla.), Mike Lee (Utah), and Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.) were brought into last-minute negotiations in Majority Whip Thune’s office. After lengthy talks, they returned to the chamber to cast “yes” votes.
Trump Applies Pressure
President Trump, spending the weekend at his Virginia golf course, posted photos with supportive senators but also lashed out at dissenters. He publicly criticized Tillis for his opposition and hinted at political consequences.
The White House issued a statement strongly backing the bill. Trump has made it a signature priority, demanding Congress finalize it before Independence Day. “No taxes on tips” has become a rallying cry, with the bill proposing permanent tax cuts from Trump’s first term and new breaks for working Americans.
Democrats Slam the Bill
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) condemned the rushed process, calling it “legislation unveiled in the dead of night.” He forced a full reading of the bill—expected to take hours—and warned of deep consequences.
Democrats argue the bill is a giveaway to the wealthy. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the House version would give top earners tax cuts worth around $12,000 annually, while the poorest Americans would lose an average of $1,600. It would also leave 10.9 million more people without health coverage and reduce food assistance for at least 3 million, the CBO said.
The Senate version has not yet been fully scored, but it reportedly includes even deeper cuts.
Major Revisions After Early Setbacks
Several provisions were revised after the Senate parliamentarian flagged them as violating the Byrd Rule, which restricts what can be included in budget bills. These included proposals to shift food stamp costs to states and to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—both of which were modified and reinstated.
A Medicaid cut that raised alarms for rural healthcare providers was also tweaked. The new version delays implementation and creates a $25 billion support fund for rural hospitals.
SALT Cap Deal Still Divides GOP
A compromise over the controversial SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction—long a sticking point—was included in the Senate bill. The cap would rise from $10,000 to $40,000, but only for five years. Some Republicans say that’s too generous, while others from high-tax states argue it doesn’t go far enough.
What’s Next
With Senate passage still uncertain, any approved version would head back to the House for final approval. Speaker Mike Johnson has instructed House members to remain on call for a potential return to Washington.
As debate and amendments stretch into the weekend, the GOP faces a high-stakes moment. The outcome could define Trump’s second-term domestic legacy—and reshape the nation’s tax and welfare landscape for years to come.Tools
