Senate Republicans continued their efforts overnight and into early Saturday morning to pass their multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts framework. Despite strong opposition from Democrats, the vote resulted in a 51-48 majority in favor of the bill, which President Trump labeled as the “big, beautiful bill” crucial to his agenda.
The bill’s approval came during challenging political times as the US economy faces difficulties from the president’s tariff policies, resulting in plummeting stocks and concerns about potential recession. Senators Susan Collins from Maine and Rand Paul from Kentucky dissented, voting against the bill.
GOP leaders remained committed to advancing the legislation, which will enable Republicans to push for a tax cut bill in both chambers of Congress and override Democratic objections. The evening marked the beginning of the “vote-a-rama” process, where Democrats aimed to make the effort as politically painful as possible by proposing numerous amendments.
Among the proposed amendments were actions to ban tax breaks for the super-wealthy, end Trump’s tariffs, protect social services, and limit the federal government’s size. All of these amendments failed, except for a Republican proposal to safeguard Medicare and Medicaid.
Democrats accused Republicans of setting the stage for cuts in key safety net programs, arguing that the tax cuts would primarily benefit the rich. Meanwhile, Republicans framed their work as preventing tax increases for most American families and fulfilling campaign promises to secure the border, rebuild the economy, and ensure national security.
The Senate package also included $175 billion for Trump’s immigration enforcement and another $175 billion for the Pentagon to strengthen the military.
The next step for the legislation is the House of Representatives, where it could be voted on as soon as next week. However, the two chambers must reconcile their differences. House Republicans have already approved their version, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts targeting programs like Medicaid and food stamps. The House also opposes the Senate’s method of extending tax cuts without increasing future deficits.
The total price tag for the bill, including an additional $1.5 trillion for Trump’s campaign promises, amounts to $7 trillion.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/05/senate-republicans-trillions-tax-breaks-spending-cuts
