The Republican-controlled US Senate on Tuesday narrowly approved President Donald Trump’s massive domestic policy bill, overcoming strong resistance over steep welfare cuts and the prospect of adding another $3 trillion to the national debt.
After an intense, record-setting 24-hour “vote-a-rama” on the Senate floor, where Democrats proposed dozens of amendments targeting the bill’s most contentious parts, Republican leaders managed to secure just enough support. The measure passed on a 50-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding vote.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where it faces determined Democratic opposition and skepticism from some Republicans concerned about its cost and significant reductions in health care and food assistance programs.
Trump’s proposal includes a $4.5 trillion extension of his first-term tax cuts, largely offset by $1.2 trillion in spending reductions focused on the Medicaid health insurance program and federal food aid. Analysts warn that these cuts could leave around 12 million low-income and disabled Americans without health coverage.
Additionally, the bill rolls back billions in green energy tax credits while directing $350 billion to strengthen border security and fund Trump’s mass deportation initiatives.
The president expressed confidence that the bill would clear the House and be signed into law by Friday, aligning with the July 4 Independence Day holiday.
“It’s going to get in, it’s going to pass, and we’re going to be very happy,” Trump told reporters before the vote.
‘Complete disgrace’
Public opinion polls show the legislation is deeply unpopular, and Democrats hope to channel voter anger ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as they aim to retake control of the House.
Citing independent analysis, Democrats argue the extended tax cuts overwhelmingly benefit the wealthiest Americans, while slashing crucial support for the poorest.
“Today, Senate Republicans betrayed the American people and brought utter shame on the Senate,” said Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
“In a single move, they delivered the largest tax break ever seen for billionaires, funded by taking health care from millions and food from hungry children.”
Within the Republican majority, several senators had considered voting against the bill, citing concerns it could add over $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade.
One of the most high-profile critics was tech billionaire and former Trump ally Elon Musk, who objected to the debt impact and the removal of clean energy incentives.
In response, an enraged Trump threatened to deport Musk—whose electric car company Tesla depends heavily on green subsidies—and to cut off federal funding for his businesses.
“Elon might have received more subsidy than any human in history,” Trump posted online, “and without those subsidies, he’d probably have to close up shop and return to South Africa.”
Next stop: the House
Although the House has already passed its own version of the bill, it must vote again to finalize the Senate’s changes before the legislation reaches Trump’s desk.
House Republicans were closely watching to see if any Senate amendments might complicate final passage, especially given the tight margins Speaker Mike Johnson must manage.
Fiscal conservatives in the House have voiced anger over what they see as an additional $651 billion in deficit spending from Senate revisions. With only a narrow majority, House Republicans can afford to lose just three votes.
A vote in the House could happen as soon as Wednesday.
“The House will act quickly to pass this One Big Beautiful Bill, making President Trump’s full America First vision a reality by July Fourth,” Speaker Johnson said after the Senate vote.
“The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democrat failures, we plan to deliver without delay.”
