The Senate has officially opened debates on President Trump's massive budget proposal, dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill," which aims to extend $3.8 trillion in tax breaks. However, the path to a final vote remains rocky, as only two votes separated approval from rejection, with dissent within Republican ranks highlighting divisions over proposed welfare cuts.
While Trump celebrated this advancement as a "great victory," he chastised Republicans Rand Paul and Thom Tillis for voting against it. Critics argue that the bill would strip health insurance from millions of Americans, raising concerns over how to balance tax cuts with welfare funding.
The bill includes contentious provisions, such as raising the US debt limit and potential cuts affecting Medicaid that could leave millions of poorer Americans without coverage. Moderates like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voiced doubts, emphasizing their concerns about healthcare cuts and support for rural hospitals.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to hold up the process, insisting that the full 940-page bill be read aloud in the Senate prior to any discussion, calling out Republicans for releasing such a complex document in the dead of night.
The bill will move back to the House for further approval if it clears the Senate, but scrutiny remains as both Democrats and some Republicans express concern over its implications, including projected job losses and reduced access to critical services for Americans.
With a final Senate vote looming in the next few days, all eyes are on how this legislation will reshape both healthcare and tax policies, as well as its potential impact on Trump's chances for re-election.
While Trump celebrated this advancement as a "great victory," he chastised Republicans Rand Paul and Thom Tillis for voting against it. Critics argue that the bill would strip health insurance from millions of Americans, raising concerns over how to balance tax cuts with welfare funding.
The bill includes contentious provisions, such as raising the US debt limit and potential cuts affecting Medicaid that could leave millions of poorer Americans without coverage. Moderates like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voiced doubts, emphasizing their concerns about healthcare cuts and support for rural hospitals.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to hold up the process, insisting that the full 940-page bill be read aloud in the Senate prior to any discussion, calling out Republicans for releasing such a complex document in the dead of night.
The bill will move back to the House for further approval if it clears the Senate, but scrutiny remains as both Democrats and some Republicans express concern over its implications, including projected job losses and reduced access to critical services for Americans.
With a final Senate vote looming in the next few days, all eyes are on how this legislation will reshape both healthcare and tax policies, as well as its potential impact on Trump's chances for re-election.
