Senate Republicans took a significant step toward delivering President Donald Trump his sweeping tax and spending package late Saturday, but the bill’s ultimate fate is still unclear as key hurdles remain.After hours of negotiations, the Senate narrowly cleared a procedural vote 51-49, allowing formal debate on the measure to begin. Trump’s multitrillion-dollar “big, beautiful bill” proposes major tax cuts, increased funding for the Pentagon and border security, and significant cuts to safety-net programs like Medicaid.Trump has insisted he wants to sign the bill by July 4, but even if it passes the Senate, it must return to the House for approval. A final Senate vote could come as soon as Monday.In a celebratory post on Truth Social, Trump hailed the procedural victory as a “GREAT VICTORY,” thanking Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Cynthia Lummis for shifting their votes to support the measure. “They, along with all the other Republican Patriots who voted for the Bill, are people who truly love our Country!” he wrote.Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul were the only Republicans to vote against the procedural step.Republican Leaders Scramble for SupportVice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune worked late into the night to secure votes from skeptical Republicans. Vance, in his role as Senate president, was ready to cast a tiebreaking vote if needed.Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was a key holdout won over by GOP leaders after they included provisions benefiting her state, such as expanded tax deductions for certain whaling supplies.Despite these wins, Senate Democrats are mounting efforts to delay the bill’s progress. They plan to force clerks to read the entire bill aloud — a process expected to take 10 to 15 hours — followed by debate and a marathon amendment session known as a vote-a-rama.Tensions and Intrigue on Capitol HillTrump personally lobbied several senators throughout Saturday. He met with Senators Scott and Johnson and spoke with others, including Senator Josh Hawley, who later announced his support. Senator Paul reportedly golfed with Trump Saturday morning but still voted against the bill.Senator Johnson said deficit-conscious Republicans secured a deal for a vote on an amendment to cap Medicaid expansion enrollment, which they claim will save money. Johnson would not confirm whether he will support the final bill without that amendment.Trump lashed out on social media at Senators Tillis and Paul for opposing the measure, calling Tillis’ decision a “BIG MISTAKE” and threatening to support primary challengers against him.House Republicans Watch CloselyHouse Speaker Mike Johnson held a brief conference call with House Republicans on Saturday, urging them to avoid public comments about the Senate bill while negotiations continue. However, at least one Republican, Rep. David Valadao of California, publicly criticized the Senate’s Medicaid changes.What’s NextAfter the bill’s reading, senators will enter the vote-a-rama — a lengthy session where dozens of amendments will be debated and voted on, many of which could force Republicans into politically difficult positions. Senator Susan Collins has signaled she may propose her own amendments, and her support could be decisive in the final vote.
