Senate Advances Trump Sweeping Tax and Spending Bill, But Final Passage Remains Uncertain

The U.S. Senate took a major step forward Saturday toward advancing President Donald Trump’s expansive tax and spending proposal, clearing a key procedural vote 51-49. However, the future of the legislation—dubbed by Trump as his “big, beautiful bill”—remains uncertain as intra-party negotiations continue.

The bill, a central piece of Trump’s economic agenda, includes trillions in tax cuts, increased funding for the Pentagon and border security, and significant reductions to safety-net programs like Medicaid. It now heads to full Senate debate, with a final vote possible as early as Monday. If passed, the measure will still need to return to the House for approval before reaching Trump’s desk.

Trump celebrated the procedural victory on social media, praising several key Republican senators—Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Cynthia Lummis—for supporting the motion to proceed.

“Tonight we saw a GREAT VICTORY in the Senate… these Republican Patriots truly love our Country!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul voted against advancing the measure. Trump criticized both, singling out Tillis for “making a BIG MISTAKE” and suggesting he would back a primary challenge against him.

Vice President JD Vance was present on Capitol Hill to support negotiations and stood by in case a tie-breaking vote was needed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, working alongside Vance, spent hours persuading hesitant Republicans. Among those was Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who was ultimately swayed by provisions benefiting her home state of Alaska—including expanded tax deductions for indigenous whalers.

Despite Saturday’s progress, Democrats have moved to slow the bill’s passage, forcing Senate clerks to read the entire text aloud—an effort expected to last up to 15 hours—before debate and a lengthy “vote-a-rama” on amendments begins.

Some Republican senators are also demanding further changes. Sen. Ron Johnson confirmed an agreement with GOP leadership for a vote on an amendment to cap Medicaid expansion enrollment, while Sen. Susan Collins of Maine indicated she may propose her own amendments or oppose the bill altogether if changes aren’t made.

“Every one of us wants to support the president’s agenda,” said Sen. Rick Scott. “We’re all working together to make sure that happens.”

In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson urged Republican lawmakers to remain unified and avoid public criticism as negotiations continue. Still, dissent is brewing: Rep. David Valadao voiced opposition over Medicaid cuts, and Rep. Jeff Van Drew warned that changes to healthcare provisions could jeopardize House support.

If passed, the vote-a-rama will allow for a marathon of amendment votes—many expected to be symbolic or politically strategic. The process could complicate GOP efforts to maintain unity and may generate material for future campaign attacks.

With Trump aiming to sign the bill by July 4, pressure is mounting for Republican leaders to resolve internal differences and navigate the legislative gauntlet in the coming days.