President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax, spending, and policy bill—dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by Republicans—is moving toward a pivotal moment in the U.S. Senate, with a weekend debate and potential votes looming. Near midnight on June 28, Republicans released an updated draft of the legislation that includes Medicaid cuts, increased immigration enforcement funding, and the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime wages.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has been working to deliver Trump a major legislative victory, but internal GOP divisions and parliamentary obstacles are complicating the path forward. Thune acknowledged on June 27 that while he hopes to kick off formal debate over the weekend, he may not yet have the 51 votes needed to proceed.
Internal Disputes and Senate Rules Create Roadblocks
The bill has triggered significant concern among some Republican senators, particularly over the potential impact on the federal deficit, healthcare access for low-income Americans, and the political risks associated with cutting popular programs.
Adding to the challenge, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has ruled that several provisions in the earlier draft violated Senate rules governing what can be included in budget-related legislation. Struck-down elements include:
- Repeal of federal food aid for noncitizens
- Rollbacks of environmental regulations
- Limits on the ability of federal judges to block government actions
In response, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released revised portions of the bill just before midnight. “If you like higher taxes, open borders, a weak military and unchecked government spending, this bill is your nightmare,” Graham said, emphasizing that the proposal reflects Trump’s core domestic priorities.
Weekend Session Set, But Uncertainty Remains
The Senate is scheduled for a rare Saturday session on June 28 at 2 p.m. ET, although it remains unclear when the first votes will occur. Democrats are unified in opposition, and as of late June 27, several Republicans were still undecided.
Frustration was growing inside the GOP ranks as the debate dragged on. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) quipped, “We’re gradually going from thoughtful, rational deliberation into the foothills of jackassery,” pointing to repeated internal disagreements.
“It’s clear we’re not going to have unanimity on some of this. That’s why God made votes,” Kennedy added.
Race Against the Clock
If the Senate ultimately passes the bill, it must then be reconciled with the House version, which narrowly passed in May. Trump has urged Republicans to meet his ambitious timeline, aiming to have the final bill signed into law by July 4.
However, Speaker Mike Johnson and the president both acknowledge that timeline may be slipping, as intraparty disagreements and complex Senate procedures continue to slow the bill’s momentum.
While the outcome remains uncertain, the weekend debate represents a critical juncture for Trump’s legislative agenda, which seeks to overhaul federal taxation, health spending, and immigration policy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
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