Facing a marathon session filled with amendments and potentially fierce opposition, US Senate Republicans are racing to pass a bombshell piece of legislation.
Specifically, the Senate seeks to deliver President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” before his July 4 deadline.
The ambitious 940-page tax and spending package includes $4 trillion in tax cuts and $350 billion for border security while slashing green energy programs.
The high-stakes vote-a-rama began today, with Republican leaders working to solidify support for the massive legislation that would make President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent.
Although the Congressional Budget Office’s projections indicate that the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, Republicans remain focused on the economic growth that will follow from tax relief for hardworking Americans.
President Trump himself weighed in with strategic advice for Republican senators who might be wavering under pressure from Democrats and the liberal media.
“REMEMBER, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy! We will make it all up, times 10, with GROWTH, more than ever before,” the president stated.
He emphasized the long-term economic benefits that will outweigh short-term budget concerns.
The bill faced immediate resistance from Senate Democrats, who have unanimously opposed the measure.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer complained, “Some Republicans are trying to rush through a bill that they released less than two days ago under the cloak of darkness, written behind closed doors.”
Not all Republicans are on board. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced that he would not seek reelection, citing his opposition to the bill’s Medicaid reforms.
President Trump celebrated this development: “Great News! ‘Senator’ Thom Tillis will not be seeking reelection.”
The bill includes several major conservative priorities beyond tax cuts, including $45 billion for new immigration detention centers.
The “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in Florida is set to open soon, marking a significant shift in the border security approach.
House GOP leaders have indicated they could vote on the legislation as early as Wednesday, giving members the promised 72 hours to review the final text.
Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team are working to secure the necessary votes, though several conservatives have expressed reservations about specific provisions.
Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s office announced, “Members are advised that votes are now expected in the House as early as 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 2. Please stay tuned to future updates for additional information regarding this week’s schedule.”
The tight timeline reflects the administration’s determination to deliver on campaign promises despite procedural hurdles.
The “vote-a-rama” process allows senators to offer unlimited amendments related to the bill, which could extend proceedings late into the night.
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has already ruled some provisions out of order with the reconciliation process, a move that could force changes before final passage.
By cutting tax rates for all Americans while simultaneously strengthening border security, the legislation fulfills key promises made during President Trump’s successful 2024 campaign.
