Senate Republicans are pushing forward with President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislation known as the "big, beautiful bill." After a long night of negotiations, the Senate voted to advance the bill, setting the stage for a crucial vote expected by noon on Saturday. This decision comes after hours of discussions that raised questions about the bill’s future.
The vote to move forward with the bill was 51-49, mostly along party lines. Only Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky broke ranks with their fellow Republicans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota needed to maintain a slim margin, as he could only afford to lose three votes.
The atmosphere was tense. Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and several others changed their votes at the last moment, reflecting the high stakes. Vice President JD Vance was on standby, ready to cast a tie-breaking vote if necessary, but ultimately, his role was limited to negotiations.
Despite the successful procedural vote, the path ahead remains uncertain. Senate Democrats plan to force a lengthy reading of the entire 940-page bill, which could delay discussions well into the night. Concerns linger over key issues like Medicaid and tax credits, which have become sticking points for some lawmakers.
Last-minute changes were made to address the worries of some Republicans. For instance, the implementation date for the Medicaid provider tax rate was pushed back a year. Additionally, a $25 billion fund to stabilize rural hospitals over the next five years was included to win support from moderate senators.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine expressed cautious support for the bill, noting that while she backs the procedural vote, her final decision will depend on future amendments. Others, like Tillis, remain skeptical and have indicated they may not support the bill in its final form.
As the process moves forward, Republicans are preparing for a "vote-a-rama," where they can propose unlimited amendments. This could lead to significant changes before the bill heads back to the House for approval.
The urgency is palpable, with lawmakers racing to ensure the bill reaches the president’s desk before the July 4 holiday. Trump has indicated his commitment to the bill, emphasizing that failing to pass it would be a major setback for his administration.