In a pivotal legislative moment, the US Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, a signature piece of legislation that President Trump aims to sign into law by the end of the week.
The vote passed 51–50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
Despite Republican control of the Senate, three GOP senators, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and Rand Paul, voted against the bill, citing concerns about fiscal responsibility and program cuts. Their dissent highlights internal party divisions over the legislation’s long-term impact.
Key provisions: Tax cuts, military spending, border security
The bill seeks to extend President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, eliminate taxes on tips, and significantly increase funding for the US military and border security.
The legislation is widely regarded as the GOP’s most significant legislative victory ahead of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans risk losing their slim majority in the House.
President Trump and GOP leaders hail bill as historic
“Today was a historic day,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. “We’re proud to be part of something that will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”
President Trump echoed the sentiment, stating, “It’s a great bill. There is something for everyone, and I believe it will pass more easily in the House than in the Senate.”
House vote looms amid opposition
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where a vote could happen as early as Wednesday. The US President has expressed confidence that the House will approve the bill before the July 4 deadline.
Democrats have fiercely opposed the bill, criticising it as a massive giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable Americans. They argue that the tax cuts favour the rich, while proposed cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs threaten the well-being of low-income families.
CBO warns of soaring deficits, insurance losses
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued a stark warning about the bill’s fiscal impact. According to the CBO, the legislation would:
- Add $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years
- Increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion between 2025 and 2034
- Result in 11.8 million Americans losing their health insurance coverage by 2034
The CBO’s findings are expected to influence the House debate, potentially complicating the bill’s path forward.
As the US President pushes for a July 4 signing, the House vote will be critical in determining whether the mega-bill becomes law. With deep partisan divides and mounting fiscal concerns, the outcome remains uncertain.
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