Senate Votes to Proceed with Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" Despite Opposition
The US Senate has voted to proceed with President Donald Trump's massive spending package, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. The vote, which passed 51-49, came after hours of intense negotiations and last-minute wrangling.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill includes significant tax cuts, reduced social safety-net spending, and changes to Medicaid and other healthcare programs. It also provides funding for border security, defense, and energy production, while cutting funding for green energy projects and raising the national debt by over $3 trillion over a decade.
Republican Leaders Push for Passage
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has pledged to get the bill to Trump's desk by July 4, despite opposition from some Republican senators. House Speaker Mike Johnson has also expressed confidence in passing the bill through the lower chamber.
Democratic Opposition
Democrats have criticized the bill, saying it will harm working families and increase the national debt. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to continue fighting against the bill, which he calls a "betrayal" of Trump's promises.
Senate Begins Voting on Amendments
The Senate has begun voting on amendments to the bill, with Democrats forcing the 940-page document to be read out loud on the Senate floor. The final vote on the bill is expected to happen sometime Monday.
What's Next?
The passage of the bill through the Senate will send it back to the House for another vote. If passed in the House, the bill will go to Trump's desk for signature. However, opposition from some Republican lawmakers and Democrats suggests that the path ahead will be challenging.
Reactions from Key Figures
Trump has hailed the late-night vote passage, saying he was "VERY PROUD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TONIGHT". Senate Majority Leader John Thune has expressed confidence in passing the bill through the upper chamber. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has vowed to continue pushing for passage.
Impact of the Bill
The bill's impact on the national debt and working families remains a contentious issue. Democrats have criticized the bill's significant tax cuts and reduced social safety-net spending, while Republicans argue that it will create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
This summary provides an objective overview of the latest news surrounding Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill", highlighting key provisions, opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, and the path ahead for passage.