Senate Republicans Narrowly Advance Trump’s Sweeping Budget Bill, But Final Vote Uncertain
Senate Republicans have narrowly advanced a massive budget bill central to Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, just days ahead of a self-imposed July 4 deadline.
In a 51-49 vote, the Senate agreed to open debate on the nearly 1,000-page legislation. Two Republicans—Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina—joined all Democrats in opposition. Party leaders had pushed for the Saturday vote following a last-minute release of the updated bill shortly after midnight.
Dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump, the proposal aims to extend $3.8 trillion in tax cuts while slashing welfare programs. Critics warn that the cuts could strip health insurance from millions of low-income Americans.
Trump hailed the procedural win as a “great victory” in a late-night post on social media but lashed out at dissenters. “Did Rand Paul Vote 'NO' again tonight? What’s wrong with this guy???” he wrote. Paul opposes the bill’s provision to raise the federal debt ceiling. Tillis cited severe losses in healthcare funding for his state, especially affecting Medicaid.
Despite internal divisions, Republican leaders won over key moderates. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, both previously skeptical, voted to allow debate. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin initially voted no but switched his vote before the session ended.
Collins clarified she supported debate—not the bill itself—citing deep concerns over healthcare cuts and lack of support for rural hospitals. “That does not mean in any way that I'm satisfied with the provisions,” she told reporters.
Vice President JD Vance arrived at the Capitol prepared to cast a tie-breaking vote, but Republican leaders secured a slim majority without needing him. However, the bill’s final passage remains far from guaranteed.
With 53 Senate seats, Republicans can afford only three defections. If the Senate passes the bill, it must return to the House for final approval—where further resistance may arise over Senate revisions.
Democrats have vowed to fight the bill with procedural delays. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has demanded the entire bill be read aloud before debate continues. “Senate Republicans are scrambling to pass a radical bill released in the dead of night,” Schumer said. “If they won’t tell the public what’s in it, we’ll make sure the public hears every word.”
The White House has formally backed the bill’s latest version, warning in a memo that failure to pass it would be “the ultimate betrayal.”
Democrats argue the bill includes historic cuts to healthcare. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington called it “the largest healthcare cut in history.” Business leader Elon Musk also criticized the bill, claiming it would destroy millions of jobs due to its taxes on renewable energy projects.
What’s Inside the 'Big Beautiful Bill'?
The bill includes:
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Extensions of Trump-era tax cuts, including deductions on Social Security and elimination of taxes on overtime and tipped wages.
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Medicaid reforms that could leave 7.8 million Americans uninsured, per the Congressional Budget Office.
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Funding boosts for rural hospitals, a key demand from Republican moderates.
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Revisions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with exemptions for Alaska and Hawaii after lobbying by their senators.
The bill was reviewed by the Senate parliamentarian to ensure compliance with chamber rules.
A final Senate vote is expected in the coming days.