In a dramatic late-night showdown on Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans barely pushed by a procedural vote to maneuver ahead with Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending invoice—a plan that critics warn may devastate entry to well being care and meals help for thousands and thousands of low-income Individuals.
The 940-page invoice, dubbed the “One Massive Lovely Invoice Act,” was launched simply earlier than midnight Friday. Lower than 24 hours later, senators have been locked in a 51–49 vote, with JD Vance on standby to interrupt a possible tie.
Two Republican senators—Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky—broke ranks and voted “no,” citing deep issues over steep Medicaid cuts and a $5 trillion leap within the debt ceiling.
⸻
What’s Within the Invoice?
Right here’s what Trump and Senate Republicans try to fast-track:• Make Trump-era tax cuts everlasting for companies and rich people• No taxes on suggestions, catering to the service trade, and gig employees• $350 billion enhance for nationwide safety and border enforcement, together with mass deportation efforts• Huge cuts to Medicaid and meals stamps (SNAP)• Elimination of inexperienced power investments, impacting wind and photo voltaic industries
The nonpartisan Congressional Funds Workplace warned the Senate model of the invoice may go away 11.8 million extra Individuals with out medical insurance by 2034 and minimize off at the least 3 million from meals help.
⸻
Senate Drama and GOP Divisions
Saturday’s vote didn’t come straightforward. Voting got here to a standstill for over three hours as GOP lawmakers scrambled to safe sufficient help. Key senators met in non-public rooms, whereas Trump phoned lawmakers from the Oval Workplace. He additionally blasted Tillis on social media for not falling in line.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, lengthy seen as a swing vote, ultimately voted to proceed after intense lobbying. Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee, and Cynthia Lummis have been pulled into last-minute conferences to get onboard.
⸻
Revisions, However Nonetheless Cuts
To get extra Republicans on board, the invoice was tweaked to:• Delay the beginning date for Medicaid supplier tax cuts• Add a $25 billion fund for rural hospitals
Nonetheless, the core of the invoice stays the identical: Reduce important packages for low- and middle-income Individuals to pay for everlasting tax breaks.
The invoice additionally features a compromise on the SALT cap (state and native tax deductions), elevating it from $10,000 to $40,000—however just for 5 years, and nonetheless leaving some lawmakers unhappy.
⸻
Subsequent Steps
The Senate will grind by debates and amendments by the weekend. If the invoice passes, it returns to the Home, then heads to the White Home for closing approval.
Trump is pushing onerous for passage earlier than July 4, aiming to declare victory on considered one of his largest home priorities. However with razor-thin margins and public backlash rising, the street forward is something however easy.
Uncover extra from Baller Alert
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e mail.
