The Republican-led Senate took a critical step forward late Saturday, June 28, 2025, advancing President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy package in a razor-thin procedural vote that sets the stage for a marathon debate and a final passage vote looming in the coming days. The 51-49 tally, with only two Republicans dissenting, underscores the deep divisions within the GOP and the fierce opposition from Democrats determined to slow down the legislation.
The legislation, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by Trump himself, is a sprawling 940-page measure packed with tax cuts, increased funding for immigration enforcement and defense, and significant cuts to safety-net programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The package is a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, aimed at fulfilling campaign promises while reshaping the nation’s fiscal landscape.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) called the vote “aspirational” amid ongoing internal squabbles and parliamentarian rulings that have forced Republicans to rewrite or drop controversial provisions to comply with Senate reconciliation rules. These rules allow the GOP to pass the bill with a simple majority but restrict the content to measures directly impacting federal spending. The self-imposed July 4 deadline for passage adds pressure, with Trump demanding to sign the bill by Independence Day.
Despite the procedural victory, the bill’s fate remains uncertain. Senate Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority and can afford to lose only three votes. Senators Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Rand Paul (Ky.) were the sole Republicans to vote against advancing the measure, with Ron Johnson (Wis.) initially opposing before switching his vote. Tillis, facing a tough reelection in 2026, criticized the bill’s steep Medicaid cuts, warning it would lead to “tens of billions of dollars in lost funding” for North Carolina, threatening hospitals and rural communities. Paul echoed concerns about the bill’s impact on the national deficit, calling it “much more of a spending bill than a bill that rectifies the debt problem.”
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of dissenters, using his Truth Social platform to attack Tillis for making a “BIG MISTAKE” and vowing to support primary challengers against him. He also questioned Paul’s opposition, asking, “What’s wrong with this guy???” The president’s aggressive stance highlights the high stakes within the Republican Party as it tries to unify behind the legislation.
Several other Republican senators, including Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), expressed reservations. Collins said she would vote to advance the bill but plans to propose amendments and is “leaning against” final passage unless significant changes are made. Murkowski withheld her vote for hours, negotiating Alaska-specific provisions that ultimately swayed her. These included exemptions from new work requirements for food assistance, increased federal Medicaid payments tailored to Alaska’s unique circumstances, and a special tax deduction increase for Alaskan whaling captains. These targeted measures illustrate the high-stakes horse-trading typical of major legislation, where individual senators leverage their votes for state-specific benefits.
Vice President JD Vance was on hand at the Capitol Saturday evening, ready to cast a tiebreaking vote if needed, but it ultimately was unnecessary. Vance’s presence underscored the fragile nature of GOP unity and the intense lobbying efforts behind the scenes. Senate leadership, including Thune and Vance, huddled with key holdouts such as Senators Rick Scott (Fla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.), and others to secure their votes.
Democrats, powerless to block the bill outright, are employing procedural tactics to delay its progress. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) ordered a full reading of the entire bill on the Senate floor — a process expected to take 10 to 15 hours — before debate and a “vote-a-rama” of potentially dozens of amendments. This marathon session will likely stretch into the early week, with the final passage vote possibly occurring as soon as Monday, June 30.
Schumer condemned the legislation as a “radical bill” rushed through “in the dead of night,” accusing Republicans of hiding the bill’s harshest provisions from the American public. He decried the bill’s deep cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs, saying it “takes food away from hungry kids to pay for tax breaks to the rich.”
The bill’s fiscal impact is a major point of contention. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the legislation could add approximately $4 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, factoring in rising interest payments. It also includes a $5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling to prevent a government default by an August deadline. Environmental groups have criticized the bill for ending renewable energy incentives and promoting fossil fuel development, while economists warn of its long-term economic consequences.
Trump and his administration have defended the bill as essential for economic growth and national security. The White House declared on Saturday that failure to pass the bill would be the “ultimate betrayal” of promises made to the American people. Trump has personally engaged in intense lobbying, hosting meetings at the White House and even golfing with senators including Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Eric Schmitt (Mo.), and Rand Paul (Ky.), despite Paul’s opposition to the bill.
On the House side, Republicans passed a version of the bill in May and are expected to return to Washington to vote on the Senate’s version if it survives the upper chamber. However, House GOP leaders warn that major changes in the Senate could jeopardize its chances in the lower chamber, where some members express concern over Medicaid cuts and other provisions.
Senator Josh Hawley (Mo.), who had previously expressed concern over Medicaid cuts, announced his support for the bill after securing changes that would increase Missouri’s Medicaid funding over the next four years. Yet, he vowed to continue fighting future cuts, emphasizing the need for the party to “do some soul searching” about the impact on working-class Americans.
The bill also seeks to address the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, temporarily raising the cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years before reverting. This concession aims to placate lawmakers from high-tax states but has drawn criticism from some Republicans who see it as unfair.
As the Senate prepares for extended debate and a flood of amendment votes, the political and legislative battles are far from over. The “big, beautiful bill” now faces a gauntlet of challenges, from internal GOP dissent to Democratic obstruction, with the clock ticking toward the July 4 deadline. Whether the Senate can unite behind this ambitious, controversial package will shape the trajectory of Trump’s agenda and the nation’s fiscal future in the months ahead.
