Senate Majority Leader John Thune led the charge in advancing President Donald Trump's extensive $3.8 trillion budget bill—steered toward a self-imposed July 4 deadline. This initial vote passed narrowly at 51-49, with dissent from two Republican senators. The controversial legislation, dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill" by Trump, ignited discord among GOP members, especially around proposed welfare cuts that could impact healthcare for millions of low-income Americans.
Trump hailed the advancement as a "great victory" via social media, criticizing Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis for voting against the bill due to concerns about its impact on the debt limit and healthcare funding in their states. Paul is particularly alarmed by the provision to raise the US debt ceiling while Tillis labeled the bill damaging for healthcare in North Carolina.
Despite the discord, some GOP senators initially skeptical about the bill, like Lisa Murkowski from Alaska and Susan Collins from Maine, ultimately lent their support to bring it up for debate, although Collins emphasized her dissatisfaction with the bill's healthcare provisions.
Vice-President JD Vance was prepared to step in with a tiebreaking vote, yet the necessary majority support was secured without his involvement. Nevertheless, the bill faces uncertainty as internal rifts among Republicans persist, and a final vote is anticipated soon.
Should the Senate pass the proposal, it will revert to the House for approval where further conflicts may arise over amendments made to placate certain Republican factions.
Democratic leaders have vowed to extend voting discussions in protest over the bill’s sweeping reforms. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insisted Republicans first read aloud the extensive document before deliberations commence. “Senate Republicans are scrambling to pass a radical bill released to the public in the dead of night,” he declared, asserting the bill would carry historical healthcare cuts and urging for thorough review before moving forward.
The package retains significant provisions like tax breaks that were part of Trump's previous campaigns and introduces adjustments to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program requirements. Additionally, some funding for rural hospitals has been included following lobbying from moderate Republicans. These revisions, however, do not quell criticism from within and outside the party, with several stakeholders joining in the outcry against potential job losses and cuts to vital social services.
