Senate Republicans moved forward with President Donald Trump’s ambitious "big, beautiful bill" after a tense night of negotiations. The bill was pushed through a key procedural vote early Saturday, setting the stage for a full Senate debate expected to begin soon.
Senator John Cornyn from Texas provided insights on the discussions during an appearance on "The Story." He mentioned that lawmakers are racing against the clock, with a vote on the bill anticipated by noon on Saturday. The urgency is palpable as the Senate prepares to tackle the legislation, which has been a source of contention among Republicans.
The procedural vote passed narrowly, with a 51-49 split, allowing a marathon debate to begin. Almost all Republicans supported the move, with only Senators Thom Tillis from North Carolina and Rand Paul from Kentucky voting against it. Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota faced a delicate situation, needing to keep party members in line, as he could only afford to lose three votes.
Despite the successful vote, there was considerable drama. Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin changed his vote from "no" to "yes" at the last moment, showcasing the high stakes involved. Vice President JD Vance was on standby to cast a tie-breaking vote if necessary, although his role turned out to be more about negotiation than voting.
The bill itself is a massive 940 pages long, and Senate Democrats plan to force a full reading of it, which could delay proceedings significantly. Concerns remain about various provisions in the bill, particularly regarding Medicaid and tax credits, which have sparked heated discussions among lawmakers.
Several last-minute changes were made to appease lawmakers who were hesitant about the bill. For instance, a $25 billion fund for rural hospitals over five years was introduced to win support from moderates. Senator Susan Collins from Maine expressed cautious optimism, saying she would support the bill through this procedural hurdle but remained undecided about her final vote.
The legislation has faced scrutiny over its Medicaid provisions, which some Republicans worry could have negative implications. Senator Tillis, for example, has voiced his discontent with the changes and indicated he might not support the bill in its final form.
As the Senate prepares for the upcoming "vote-a-rama," lawmakers will have the opportunity to propose amendments. This process could lead to further changes in the bill as both parties jockey for position. Democrats are expected to use this time to challenge Republicans, adding to the pressure.
Ultimately, the goal is to send the bill back to the House and get it signed by President Trump before the July 4 deadline. Trump has made it clear that he supports the bill, viewing its passage as crucial to fulfilling his promises to the American people. The coming days will be critical as the Senate debates and votes on this significant piece of legislation.