Senate Majority Leader John Thune called for a vote on the "Big Beautiful Bill" this Saturday, as Senate Republicans have taken a crucial step forward for President Donald Trump's second-term agenda with a 51-49 vote mainly along party lines. This budget bill, essential to Trump's plans, was unveiled in a lengthy 940-page format just after midnight, sparking intense discussions and disagreements among Republicans over welfare program cuts aimed at extending $3.8 trillion in tax breaks.
Despite efforts to maintain party unity, two Republican senators opposed the motion. Vice-President JD Vance was ready to cast a tiebreaker if necessary, but Republican leaders managed to secure majority support. Meanwhile, Democrats plan to delay proceedings, with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insisting on reading the entire bill before any debate can ensue.
The House of Representatives had previously passed a version of the bill by a single vote, but some senators have raised concerns over amendments made in the Senate. A White House memo urged senators to approve the legislation, framing a failure to do so as a "betrayal." Notably, Republicans Rand Paul and Thom Tillis voted against the bill, drawing criticism from Trump on social media.
The revised version aimed to win over skeptical Republicans, introducing changes like increased funding for rural hospitals and temporary exemptions for Alaska and Hawaii from certain program requirements. However, significant tax cuts intended for social security and certain job-creating measures remain contentious. Critics from both political parties, including Senator Patty Murray, have expressed concerns over major healthcare cuts, while Elon Musk warned of economic downfall due to new energy taxes.
With 53 seats held by Republicans in the Senate and needing just a simple majority to pass, the bill's future hinges on party unity, where even a few defections could lead to its downfall.
