Debate is underway in the Senate on Trump's big bill, but overnight voting is delayed
Context:
The Senate is engaged in intense debates over President Donald Trump's proposed tax breaks and spending cuts package, which faces significant opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. The bill includes $4 trillion in tax cuts, steep Medicaid and food stamp reductions, and a $350 billion allocation for border and national security, but its passage remains uncertain. Some Republicans are advocating for even deeper cuts, despite warnings from Trump to avoid going too far, while Democrats use procedural tactics to delay the bill. The Congressional Budget Office projects the legislation would increase the deficit by $3.3 trillion and result in 11.8 million more uninsured Americans by 2034. GOP Sen. Thom Tillis announced he won't seek reelection after opposing the Medicaid cuts, highlighting the ongoing influence of Trump's political pressure within the party.
Dive Deeper:
The Senate is in a heated debate over Trump's bill for tax cuts and spending reductions, facing opposition from both Democrats and some Republican holdouts, delaying overnight voting to Monday. The Republican leadership is under pressure to meet Trump's deadline for passing the package by the Fourth of July, barely overcoming a procedural hurdle with Trump's and Vice President JD Vance's intervention.
The proposed bill includes $4 trillion in tax cuts, making Trump's 2017 rates permanent and adding new cuts, while imposing $1.2 trillion in reductions, particularly impacting Medicaid and food stamps by tightening eligibility and work requirements. Additionally, it provides $350 billion for border and national security, partially funded by new immigrant fees.
Democrats, as the minority, are using procedural tools to delay the bill's passage, including a full reading of the bill and extended debate, while Republicans strategize to pass the legislation with a simple majority using budget reconciliation, bypassing the usual 60-vote requirement.
The Congressional Budget Office warns the bill could increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion over a decade and lead to 11.8 million more uninsured Americans by 2034. Despite these concerns, some Republicans are pushing for even deeper cuts, particularly in healthcare, prompting Trump to caution them against excessive reductions.
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis announced he won't seek reelection after Trump's pressure regarding the Medicaid cuts, demonstrating Trump's significant influence within the party. Tillis argues the bill betrays Trump's promise not to cut healthcare, while the Democrats continue to challenge the bill with amendments and procedural delays.