At the end of June 2025, the United States Senate entered one of the most intense legislative battles in recent memory: the review and potential approval of a massive legislative package proposed by President Donald Trump, which he proudly calls the “big, beautiful bill.”
This initiative marks a comprehensive attempt to rewrite the foundations of U.S. fiscal policy, overhaul the welfare system, and redefine federal spending — potentially undoing decades of established economic principles.
But this is no ordinary tax bill. The legislation combines:
- Deep tax cuts for individuals and businesses
- Significant increases in defense and border security spending
- Massive reductions in social assistance programs, especially Medicaid and food stamps
While widely supported by Trump’s Republican base, the bill has triggered sharp divisions across both parties, drawing fierce criticism from Democrats and skepticism from moderate Republicans. The backlash stems from projections that the plan could strip health coverage from over 12 million Americans, inflate the federal debt by trillions, and impose new work requirements for public benefits.
🏛️ A high-stakes political and ideological test
Beyond its economic implications, the legislation has become a litmus test for Trump’s administration, the cohesion of the Republican Party, and the balance of power within Congress. Trump has set July 4th as a symbolic deadline to sign the bill into law, turning the process into a race against time as Democrats stall, procedural hurdles mount, and Republicans disagree internally.
📍 Where things stand now in the Senate
The Senate has officially opened debate after a narrow procedural vote (51–49).
Only two Republican senators — Thom Tillis and Rand Paul — voted against advancing the bill.
Shortly after the vote, Tillis announced he would not seek re-election in 2026, highlighting internal party tensions over the Medicaid cuts.
💬 The debate and what’s coming next
Debate is expected to continue for up to 20 hours, with Democrats using their full time allocation, while Republicans are expected to speak for only part of theirs.
After that, the Senate will enter a “vote-a-rama” — a voting marathon on proposed amendments designed to put political pressure on Republicans.
💰 The bill’s cost, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
- The Senate version of the bill is projected to increase the deficit by $3.3 trillion over 10 years (under traditional accounting).
- Using an alternative “current policy baseline” method, the cost is reduced to $508 billion, but that excludes the long-term extension of the 2017 tax cuts.
- The majority of the cost comes from tax changes, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay.
🏥 Impact on Medicaid and health coverage
According to the CBO, 11.8 million fewer Americans would have health insurance by 2034 due to cuts to Medicaid.
The bill also introduces new work requirements for Medicaid recipients aged 19 to 64. In the Senate version, these requirements would also apply to parents of children over 14.
Medicaid cuts in the Senate version total $930 billion, compared to $800 billion in the House version.
🗣️ Political reactions and public response
Trump has called the bill a “huge victory” and remains firm on signing it by July 4.
Senator Susan Collins is preparing to introduce amendments — an unusual move from within the Republican Party.
Senator Jim Banks defended the cuts as a necessary measure against abuse, while Democrats described the proposal as “catastrophic for working families and the vulnerable.”
Tech billionaire Elon Musk joined the criticism, calling the bill “dangerous insanity that props up outdated industries and harms the sectors of the future.”
📅 What happens next?
The Senate debate will conclude soon, followed by the “vote-a-rama” overnight.
A final vote is expected Monday.
If passed, the bill would then return to the House of Representatives for final approval, in time for Trump’s planned July 4 signing ceremony.
