Senate Republicans Overcome Holdouts to Pass Landmark Policy Bill, Sending It to House
Washington, D.C: Republicans defeated three major dissenters in a dramatic Senate battle today to pass President Donald Trump’s signature policy package, known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding tie-breaking vote, and the legislation passed the Senate by a slender 51-50 vote.
The bill represents a significant legislative victory for the Republican Party and seeks to implement significant spending reductions and permanently extend the 2017 tax cuts.
It includes approximately $4.5 trillion in tax cuts alongside deep cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and clean energy tax credits. The package also boosts military funding and immigration enforcement, fulfilling several campaign promises made by President Trump.
However, the bill’s more conservative Senate iteration has raised concerns among some Republicans, particularly moderates, due to its steep Medicaid cuts that could affect an estimated 11 million Americans. The Senate version also accelerates the phase-out of wind and solar energy tax credits, diverging from the House’s earlier, less stringent proposal.
Initially, Senators Rand Paul, Thom Tillis, and Lisa Murkowski opposed the bill citing concerns over fiscal responsibility and state-specific impacts. After intense negotiations and targeted concessions, including provisions addressing Alaska’s unique needs, the trio ultimately supported the measure.
Using the budget reconciliation process, Republicans bypassed a Democratic filibuster, enabling passage with a simple majority. Yet, this procedural route required the removal of some GOP priorities to comply with Senate rules.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson faces the challenge of rallying a narrow GOP majority amid lingering divisions. The House previously passed an earlier version of the bill by a slim margin, and significant debate is expected as lawmakers weigh the bill’s potential impacts.
Key Points:
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Senate vote: 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie
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Bill includes permanent 2017 tax cuts, Medicaid and SNAP reductions, and increased military spending
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Estimated 11 million could lose Medicaid coverage under Senate bill
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Senate version more conservative than House version, particularly on Medicaid and clean energy credits
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Three Republican holdouts ultimately supported the bill after negotiations
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Bill now moves to House for further consideration
As the House prepares to consider the Senate-amended legislation, the future of this sweeping policy package remains uncertain. Lawmakers and stakeholders across the political spectrum are closely watching the next steps in this high-stakes legislative battle.