Republican leaders had struggled to corral support during a record 24-hour “vote-a-rama” amendment session on the Senate floor, as Democrats offered dozens of challenges to the most divisive aspects of the bill.
The Republican-led U.S. Senate on Tuesday narrowly approved President Donald Trump’s massive domestic policy proposal—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—despite concerns over deep welfare cuts and an additional $3 trillion in national debt.
Following a grueling 24-hour “vote-a-rama” filled with Democratic challenges, Senate GOP leaders managed to secure the votes after flipping two moderate Republicans. The measure passed 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it faces unified Democratic opposition and pushback from several Republicans upset over deep cuts to health care and food assistance for low-income Americans.
A Controversial Package
The bill includes a $4.5 trillion extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, along with new provisions such as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. It proposes $1.2 trillion in cuts—primarily targeting Medicaid—which could strip coverage from an estimated 12 million low-income and disabled individuals.
Green energy tax credits would be rolled back, while $350 billion would be redirected to bolster border security and fund Trump’s large-scale migrant deportation plans.
Despite tight timelines, Trump is pushing to sign the bill into law by July 4th, although he acknowledged delays are possible. “It’s going to pass, and we’re going to be very happy,” he said during a trip to inspect new migrant detention facilities in Florida.
Murkowski’s Reluctant Support
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, a key moderate, voted in favor of the bill but admitted it was far from ideal. She cited benefits like preserving 2017 tax cuts and excluding taxes on tips, and said she fought for provisions protecting Alaska’s most vulnerable residents. Still, she criticized the rush to finalize the bill by Friday, calling it “a mistake.”
Democrats Push Back
House Democrats criticized Republicans for trying to jam the bill through by Independence Day. Rep. Jim McGovern, top Democrat on the Rules Committee, said the deadline was arbitrary and driven by Trump’s ego.
“We’re rushing not because the country demands it, but because he wants to throw himself another party,” McGovern said. He labeled the effort “ego management,” not sound policy.
Republicans dismissed the criticism. Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx defended the bill as “the embodiment of the America First agenda” and accused Democrats of fearmongering.
What’s Inside
The bill includes:
- $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, making permanent the expiring 2017 tax rates and adding new exemptions on tips and overtime pay.
- $1.2 trillion in spending cuts, largely to Medicaid and SNAP, by tightening eligibility and imposing work requirements.
- $350 billion for border and national security, including expanded deportations and new immigrant fees to partially fund them.
- Elimination of green energy tax credits, a move critics say will devastate wind and solar investments nationwide.
Deep Unpopularity
According to recent polling, the legislation is among the most unpopular in modern history, drawing opposition across demographic and income groups. Democrats aim to use the public backlash to their advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly didn’t mince words: “It’s bad legislation. If this passes, this is a political gift for Democrats.”
Some Republican senators also expressed concern over the projected $3.3 trillion in new debt the bill could add over the next decade.
Musk vs. Trump
Outside Capitol Hill, the bill drew sharp criticism from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who recently split from Trump’s advisory circle. Musk objected to both the increased deficit and the rollback of clean energy subsidies vital to his businesses.
In response, Trump hinted at retaliatory measures, including revoking federal contracts and even deporting Musk. “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump wrote on social media.
All Eyes on the House
Though the House already passed an earlier version of the bill, the Senate’s changes mean it must vote again. With only a narrow Republican majority, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose just three votes.
Some fiscal conservatives are balking at what they claim is $651 billion in extra deficit spending added by the Senate.
Still, Johnson remained confident: “We’re going to pass this bill one way or the other.”
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