Senate Republicans advanced a pivotal budget measure, dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill," critical to President Donald Trump's agenda for his second term. The Senate voted 51-49, primarily along party lines, to open debate on this sweeping 940-page bill ahead of a self-imposed deadline of July 4.
Despite the initial win, the bill's prospects remain uncertain due to ongoing disagreements among Republican senators regarding welfare cuts needed to finance $3.8 trillion in tax breaks. Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina sided with Democrats, signaling a rift within the party. Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance was prepared to cast a tiebreaker if necessary, but the Republicans were able to gather sufficient support without his intervention.
Opposition from Democrats is expected to prolong the voting process, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insists on reading the entire text before allowing for debate. There are also concerns voiced by some House Republicans about the Senate's modifications, as the bill had previously passed the House by a slim margin.
The latest version of the bill introduces several compromises aimed at easing internal dissent amongst Republicans, with revisions based on feedback from the Senate parliamentarian. Notably, it proposes increased funding for rural hospitals to address moderates' worries about the original draft's potential impact on their constituencies. Additionally, Alaska and Hawaii would receive temporary exemptions from a new requirement shifting costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), proposed by moderate Senators from those states.
Yet, the bill retains some controversial elements, such as extending tax cuts from 2017 and implementing new deductions on Social Security benefits while eliminating taxes on overtime and tips. Critically, it includes significant cuts to Medicaid—a vital program for millions—drawing severe criticism from Democrats, who argue it would lead to millions losing health coverage. Senator Patty Murray listed it as containing the largest healthcare cuts in U.S. history.
Author and entrepreneur Elon Musk also denounced the bill, stating its proposed taxes on renewable energy initiatives could severely damage the job market and the nation's strategic interests. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these cuts would render 7.8 million Americans uninsured.
With a Republican majority of 53 seats in the Senate, including the vice-presidential tiebreaker, the party can only afford three defections to pass the legislation, making the final vote crucial in determining Trump's budget strategy moving forward.
