The U.S. Senate has just passed President Donald Trump’s significant tax and spending bill after a lengthy and intense debate. The vote was tight, with a final tally of 51 to 50, and the deciding vote came from Vice President JD Vance. This bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where it faces a challenging approval process.
This legislation aims to extend the tax cuts that Trump signed into law in 2017, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. If approved, these cuts would become permanent and include about $4.5 trillion in tax reductions. However, to fund these tax breaks, the bill proposes deep cuts to popular health and nutrition programs, which has raised concerns among many lawmakers and constituents.
The bill sets aside substantial funding for defense and border security, with $350 billion earmarked for these areas. This includes $46 billion for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and $45 billion for migrant detention centers. Critics argue that these measures will disproportionately impact low-income families, as cuts to programs like Medicaid and food assistance are also part of the plan. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if the bill passes, it could leave an additional 11.8 million Americans without health insurance by 2034.
Republican Senators Susan Collins and Thom Tillis voted against the bill, citing concerns over the impact of Medicaid cuts on vulnerable populations. Senator Rand Paul also opposed it, warning that the legislation would worsen the national deficit. Meanwhile, Democratic senators unanimously voted against the bill, calling it a giveaway to the wealthy that undermines healthcare and food aid.
Despite the opposition, many Republican lawmakers celebrated the bill as a significant achievement. Trump expressed his satisfaction with the Senate’s decision, emphasizing the importance of the tax relief for families and businesses. Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the collaborative effort to push the bill through.
Public opinion on the bill appears to be shifting. Initial support for Trump’s proposals has dropped below 50%, with many Americans concerned about the potential cuts to essential services. Critics argue that the wealthiest will benefit the most, while lower-income individuals could see their incomes decline due to reduced assistance.
The next steps involve the House Rules Committee, which will decide how to proceed with the bill. If the House makes any changes, it will return to the Senate for another vote. Both chambers could also form a conference committee to negotiate a compromise. Once an agreement is reached, the bill will go to Trump for final approval. The outcome remains uncertain, but the debate over this significant legislation is far from over.