Senate Republicans Pass Trump's Controversial Mega-Bill Amidst Internal Divisions

The legislation now heads to the House, presenting challenges while Trump presses for a quick conclusion.

After a prolonged debate, Republicans in the US Senate narrowly passed a major bill on tax and spending backed by Donald Trump, successfully navigating a key legislative hurdle. The bill, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, received a tie-breaking vote from Vice-President JD Vance following a marathon session that lasted over 24 hours. It will now proceed to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to encounter further opposition.

Trump had urged Congress to finalize the legislation by July 4, highlighting the urgency of the situation. "The bill as amended is passed," declared Vance, eliciting cheers from Senate Republicans while Democrats expressed their disapproval.

The path to final approval faced significant challenges, mostly due to disagreements on deficit matters, social programs, and overall spending levels. Despite pushing for party unity, Senate Majority Leader John Thune lost three Republican votes, with Senators Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and Rand Paul joining Democrats in opposition against the bill.

Alaska's Senator Lisa Murkowski, who had previously withheld her vote due to concerns over Medicaid funding cuts in her state, ultimately backed the bill after intense negotiations. Yet, she still voiced her apprehensions about the rushed process. "I struggled mightily with the impact on the most vulnerable in this country," she stated, suggesting that the House reconsider the proposals made.

Celebrating the bill's passage during a visit to a migrant detention center in Florida, Trump referred to it as "a great bill" that offers something for everyone. This legislation is crucial to Trump’s agenda, aiming to make large tax cuts permanent—cuts that were implemented during his first term. To counterbalance the projected revenue losses, the bill seeks to curtail funding for various social programs, including food assistance and healthcare for low-income individuals.

In the Senate, Democrats attempted to stall the bill by utilizing procedural tactics. They required Senate clerks to read all 940 pages of the legislation aloud and engaged in extended discussions regarding amendments in a process known as "vote-a-rama."

As the bill now shifts to the House, the prospect of its approval remains uncertain. Some fiscal conservatives have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the Senate's modifications could add around $650 billion annually to the national deficit. The House Freedom Caucus voiced their concerns, stating, "That's not fiscal responsibility—it's not what we agreed to."

Additionally, worries over potential deep cuts to Medicaid have surfaced among House Republicans, raising questions about the extent of changes necessary before Trump can sign the bill into law. The president's aspiration for a July 4 completion faces skepticism, especially with resistance within his own party.

Notably, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who previously supported Trump, has now publicly criticized the bill. He threatened to establish a new political party should it pass Congress, urging congressional members to reconsider their stance against fiscal prudence.

With both parties weighing their decisions, the upcoming House vote will be pivotal for the bill's fate. The clock is ticking, and the political landscape remains fraught with differing opinions.