The Senate is plowing forward towards a ultimate vote on President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and immigration invoice, as Republicans rush to get it throughout the end line by July 4.
The self-imposed deadline by Trump meant a uncommon weekend session for lawmakers, one stuffed with partisan drama and a few GOP infighting on the “One Massive Stunning Invoice Act.”
On Monday morning, senators started a “vote-a-rama” — votes on proposed amendments to the megabill.
There isn’t any restrict to the variety of amendments lawmakers can search. Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer, the chamber’s prime Democrat, promised his social gathering would deliver modification after modification through the marathon session. Democrats compelled a studying of the 940-page invoice over the weekend, which took almost 16 hours.
“Each senator will quickly have a possibility to reject this nonsense and vote for commonsense budgeting. Individuals can be watching,” Schumer mentioned on Monday as he slammed Trump’s invoice as a break for billionaires that may harm working-class households.
Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer arrives as Republicans start a ultimate push to advance President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts bundle, on the Capitol in Washington, June 30, 2025.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Senate Majority Chief John Thune defended the invoice as delivering Trump’s marketing campaign guarantees to eradicate tax on suggestions and time beyond regulation pay whereas boosting spending for protection and border safety.
“It has been a protracted debate,” Thune mentioned in his personal flooring remarks forward of the votes on amendments. “I do know individuals are weary. However on the finish of the day, we need to get this accomplished in order that this nation is safer and stronger and extra affluent, not just for at present however for future generations of Individuals.”
The vote-a-rama is the final hurdle earlier than a vote on ultimate passage of the invoice within the Senate.
Senate Majority Chief John Thune speaks to reporters as he returns to his workplace from the Senate Chamber on the U.S. Capitol, June 30, 2025 in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Pictures
There’s little room for error within the Republican-controlled chamber. A procedural vote on Saturday night time to open debate on the invoice narrowly handed in a 51-49 vote after two Republican defections.
GOS Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina voted in opposition to advancing the invoice. Tillis railed in opposition to the modifications to Medicaid within the invoice, saying it could harm his constituents and would characterize a betrayal of Trump’s promise not to touch the entitlement program upon which tens of millions of individuals rely for well being care protection.
Tillis’ opposition drew Trump’s ire, with the president threatening to assist a major challenger to the two-term senator. Tillis then out of the blue introduced he wouldn’t search reelection, saying later he texted Trump on Saturday night time suggesting he “in all probability wanted to start out searching for a alternative.”
“I respect President Trump. I assist the vast majority of his agenda, however I do not bow to anyone. When the folks of North Carolina are in danger. And this invoice places them in danger,” Tillis mentioned.
Sen. Thom Tillis speaks to reporters as Republican lawmakers work to cross President Donald Trump’s sweeping spending and tax invoice, in Washington, June 30, 2025.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
What’s subsequent for OBBB within the Home?
If the “One Massive Stunning Invoice Act” passes within the Senate, it should return to the Home for members to contemplate the modifications made to the invoice.
Home Republican leaders say Wednesday is the earliest probability for a megabill vote.
“Members are suggested that votes at the moment are anticipated within the Home as early as 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 2. Please keep tuned to future updates for added data concerning this week’s schedule,” a discover from Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s workplace mentioned.
Republican leaders have instructed members they are going to obtain 48 hours discover earlier than a vote is known as and could have 72 hours to assessment the invoice textual content.
The Home handed the Trump megabill by only one vote again in Might. The Senate model of the invoice will face an uphill battle within the Home, given the GOP’s razor-thin majority.
California average Republican Rep. David Valadao mentioned he’ll vote no given the Medicaid modifications within the Senate invoice. A number of conservatives, together with Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Josh Breechen of Oklahoma and Eric Burlison of Missouri have additionally expressed opposition to the Senate’s model of the invoice.
Home Speaker Mike Johnson and different Republican leaders labored via the weekend to lock down the votes whilst a number of lawmakers have expressed opposition to the Senate’s model, which continues to be not finalized. Johnson can solely afford to lose 3 defections if all members are voting and current.
ABC Information’ Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.
