After a narrow 51–49 Senate vote, lawmakers are moving forward with President Trump’s sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” opening the door for full-floor debate and amendments. The package aims to extend Trump-era tax cuts, tighten welfare rules, boost border and defense funding, and rein in healthcare programs.
Republican backers say it’s vital for fiscal discipline—Sen. Ron Johnson called it “a necessary first step” to clean up what he views as the Biden-era “mess.” Trump applauded the vote as a “great victory” and personally praised GOP supporters for advancing his agenda ahead of the July 4 target.
However, the bill encountered procedural hurdles: key Medicaid and food-stamp cuts were struck from the fast-track process by Senate rules, forcing GOP leaders to refine the bill or secure 60 votes for those sections. Republicans like Tommy Tuberville and Greg Steube harshly criticized the parliamentarian’s intervention, calling it undemocratic.
Meanwhile, Democrats are seizing on the Medicaid modifications—highlighting potential losses in health coverage—to galvanize opposition. Sen. Chris Coons warned that changes could adversely affect millions, while Sen. Jim Banks defended the reforms as necessary to protect working taxpayers.
As Senate leaders schedule extensive debate and a possible vote-time marathon, the bill’s fate now hinges on resolving internal GOP divisions over its healthcare elements and securing enough support before the July holiday break.