After more than 20 hours of continuous debate, the U.S. Senate is edging closer to a final vote on President Donald Trump’s massive tax, spending, and policy bill. As of early Tuesday morning, negotiations were still ongoing, with top Republicans working to secure the final votes needed to pass one of the most consequential legislative packages of Trump’s second term.
The bill includes far-reaching reforms, such as major cuts and restructuring of Medicaid, a significant increase in border security funding, and caps on taxes for tipped wages and overtime pay. Its passage would mark a critical victory for the president’s legislative agenda; failure, however, would deal a major political blow just months into his second term.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters that Republicans are “close” to finalizing a deal. But with a narrow 53-47 GOP majority, the margin for error remains thin.
Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) have already voted against debating the bill and are expected to oppose its final passage as well. With Democrats unanimously opposed, Republicans can afford to lose only one more vote. In the event of a 50-50 tie, Vice President JD Vance would be required to cast the deciding vote.
Even if the Senate manages to pass the bill, the legislative process won’t end there. The bill must be reconciled with the House version, which narrowly passed in May. The final vote in the House is tentatively scheduled for July 2, pending Senate approval.
The prolonged debate, which continued through the weekend and into July 1, underscores the deep divisions and high stakes surrounding the legislation. As the clock ticks down, lawmakers on both sides are bracing for a pivotal decision that could shape the fiscal and political landscape for years to come.
