$3.3 Trillion Legislation Advances to House Amid Controversy
In a dramatic vote, the Senate was evenly split 50–50 on Tuesday over President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill. US Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote in favor, securing the bill’s passage in the Republican-controlled chamber. The bill, as amended, now moves back to the House of Representatives for final approval. President Trump has urged lawmakers to deliver the legislation to his desk by the 4th of July.
“It’s a great bill. There is something for everyone, and I think it’s going to go very nicely in the House,” said Trump. “Actually, I think it will be easier in the House than it was in the Senate.”
Overnight Debate Highlights Republican Divisions
The vote followed an all-night debate during which Republican senators wrestled with concerns over the bill’s $3.3 trillion price tag and its potential impact on the U.S. healthcare system. While it remained unclear what changes were made to address those concerns, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed confidence in the legislation. “With this legislation, we are fulfilling the mandate we were entrusted with last November and setting our country and the American people up to be safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Thune stated.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The bill includes several major provisions:
- Extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which were set to expire at the end of the year
- New tax breaks for income from tips and overtime pay
- Increased spending on the military and immigration enforcement
- Restrictions on Medicaid funding for health providers offering abortion services, such as Planned Parenthood
- Stricter eligibility rules for food and health safety net programs
According to nonpartisan analysts, the latter changes would effectively reduce income for lower-income Americans.
Democrats Condemn Bill as Betrayal
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the bill, calling it a betrayal of the American people. “Senate Republicans betrayed the American people and covered this chamber in shame. In one fell swoop, Republicans passed the biggest tax breaks for billionaires ever seen, paid for by ripping health care away from millions of Americans and taking food out of the mouths of hungry kids,” said Schumer. “This is not a big, beautiful bill at all. That is why I moved on the floor to strike the title. It is now called the act, but it is really a big ugly betrayal.”
House Faces Tensions Over Final Approval
Despite the bill’s Senate passage, several House Republicans have voiced opposition to the revised version. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this version would add $800 billion more to the national debt compared to the earlier House draft. Still, many expect intense political pressure on House Republicans to align with Trump’s agenda.
