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US Senate holds marathon overnight vote on Trump's 'big beautiful bill'

July 1, 2025

The US Senate is engaged in a marathon voting session on the nearly 1,000-page "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a crucial budget bill for President Trump's agenda that includes increased spending for border security, defense, and energy production while cutting healthcare and food-support programs. Republican lawmakers are divided over the extent of welfare program cuts needed to extend tax breaks, creating uncertainty about the bill's passage. The legislation would add approximately $3.

Who is affected

  • Nearly 12 million Americans who could lose health insurance coverage
  • Low-income groups who rely on Medicaid and food assistance programs
  • Undocumented immigrants charged with specific crimes (mentioned in a proposed amendment)
  • Rural hospitals that might limit services or shut down
  • American taxpayers affected by the $3.3 trillion addition to the national debt

What action is being taken

  • The Senate is conducting a marathon "vote-a-rama" session lasting over 22 hours
  • Senators are arguing for or against amendments to the budget bill
  • Vice-President JD Vance has arrived on Capitol Hill, potentially to cast a tie-breaking vote
  • Democrats are attempting to slow proceedings in the Senate
  • Elon Musk is publicly criticizing Republicans who supported the bill

Why it matters

  • The bill is critical to President Trump's agenda
  • It would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, which currently sits at $36 trillion
  • The legislation would extend $3.8 trillion in Trump tax breaks
  • It could strip nearly 12 million Americans of their health insurance coverage
  • The bill has caused significant political division, even within the Republican party
  • It has led to Senator Thom Tillis announcing his retirement after voting against opening debate

What's next

  • Once passed by the Senate, the bill will return to the House of Representatives for a final vote, possibly as early as Wednesday morning
  • If approved by the House, the bill will be sent to President Trump to be signed into law
  • The White House Press Secretary has stated Trump is "confident" the bill will be on his desk by July 4
  • Fiscal hawks in the Republican-led House Freedom Caucus have threatened to block the Senate package
  • Elon Musk has threatened to set up a new political party if the bill clears Congress

Read full article from source: BBC