In a tight and dramatic vote, Republicans in the US Senate narrowly passed Donald Trump’s monumental tax and spending bill, which has been at the centre of an intense political battle. Known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation cleared a major hurdle after over 24 hours of tense negotiations and procedural delays. The bill was passed with Vice President JD Vance stepping in to cast the tie-breaking vote, making it a historic moment for the Republican-led Senate.
Despite facing fierce opposition from Democrats and certain Republican factions, the bill was approved by a 50-50 vote, with Vance breaking the tie. The measure now heads back to the House of Representatives, where it still faces resistance. The House Republicans, who passed an earlier version of the bill by just one vote, must approve the Senate’s amendments before the president can sign the bill into law. The proposal must meet Trump’s deadline of July 4 for final passage.
GOP Faces Internal Divisions
The Senate’s passage of the bill was not without difficulty. Republican leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, faced defections from key party members, such as Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. These Republicans, alongside all Senate Democrats, voted against the bill. Their opposition was driven by concerns over the potential impact of the bill on the deficit and social welfare programs.
Amidst the dissent, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska provided crucial support after intensive negotiations. Murkowski had initially withheld her backing due to fears that Medicaid cuts would harm her state. However, after further discussions, she reluctantly voted in favour of the bill, despite calling the process “rushed” and “artificially timed.” “I struggled mightily with the impact on the most vulnerable in this country,” Murkowski admitted. “My hope is that the House will look at this and recognise that we’re not there yet.”
Trump’s Celebration Amid Criticism
Trump, speaking during a visit to a migrant detention facility in Florida, hailed the Senate vote as a major victory. “It’s a great bill,” he stated, adding, “There is something for everyone.” The bill, a key part of Trump’s second-term agenda, would make permanent the significant tax cuts introduced during his first term. However, to offset the projected loss in revenue, the bill proposes sweeping cuts to various social programs, including food subsidies and healthcare for lower-income Americans.
While Trump celebrates, his legislation faces mounting opposition. The right-wing House Freedom Caucus has expressed concerns that the Senate version could add $650 billion to the US national deficit each year, calling it “not fiscal responsibility.” Additionally, some House Republicans fear that the bill’s Medicaid cuts go too far, and Democrats across both chambers have condemned the welfare reductions.
Obstacles in the House
With the bill now headed to the House, its future remains uncertain. Republicans can afford to lose only three votes. However, a faction of fiscal conservatives has already voiced dissatisfaction with the bill’s potential fiscal impact, citing the vast increase in government debt. Meanwhile, Trump’s ally, tech mogul Elon Musk, has escalated the opposition. Musk, who helped Trump’s election campaign, now threatens to back primary challengers for Republicans who vote for the bill, accusing them of betraying fiscal responsibility.
The House will now work under a looming deadline, as Trump continues to push for final approval by July 4. However, as he acknowledged on his way to Florida, “I’d love to do July 4th but I think it’s very hard to do. Maybe somewhere around there.”
What’s Next for Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill?
The fate of Trump’s tax and spending overhaul remains unclear. The legislation has undergone numerous amendments, and its controversial proposals have sparked fierce debates. As House Republicans grapple with its specifics, some argue the bill’s impact on the economy and American society could shape the political landscape for years to come.