Senate debates Trump’s expansive tax and spending bill

The United States Senate has launched an intensive debate over President Donald Trump's 940-page economic proposal, dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” The legislation offers significant tax cuts and deep reductions in healthcare and food assistance programs, prompting heated discussions that extended into an overnight session.

According to projections from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill would increase the national debt by an estimated $3.3 trillion over the next ten years and could result in nearly 12 million additional Americans becoming uninsured by 2034. Republican leaders, disputing the CBO's forecast, are working quickly to meet Trump’s goal of passing the bill by July 4.

Despite internal opposition, the bill narrowly advanced through a preliminary vote. Key Republican senators expressed reservations, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who voted against the measure and later announced he would not seek re-election, following pressure from Trump. Tillis criticized the bill’s substantial cuts to Medicaid, which serves low-income individuals.

Trump celebrated Tillis's decision not to run again and warned other Republicans about excessive austerity measures. While advocating for fiscal restraint, Trump reminded them of the importance of maintaining public support, claiming future economic growth would offset current spending.

The proposed legislation features approximately $4 trillion in tax cuts, extending Trump's 2017 tax laws and adding new measures such as eliminating taxes on tips. It also includes significant reductions in environmental tax credits, which critics argue would hinder investment in renewable energy, and tightens requirements for social welfare programs like Medicaid and food stamps.

The bill designates $350 billion for national and border security initiatives, including immigration enforcement, funded in part by new fees on immigrants.

Democratic senators, firmly opposed, sought to delay the process by demanding a full reading of the lengthy bill—an effort that took 16 hours. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for fast-tracking the legislation without proper public scrutiny and warned of severe consequences for clean energy, predicting higher electricity costs and the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders labeled the proposal as potentially the most harmful legislation in modern U.S. history, arguing that it prioritizes military spending over essential social programs. He also highlighted how Trump’s influence continues to shape Republican decisions.

Following the current debate, the Senate will move to a phase of amendment votes before a final decision is made. If passed, the legislation would return to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Lawmakers have been advised to stay prepared for immediate action.

Supporters argue the bill delivers on Trump’s campaign promises and provides relief for working Americans. Critics contend it favors the wealthy and corporations at the expense of the nation’s most vulnerable populations while dramatically increasing military and immigration enforcement budgets. The plan includes $45 billion for new immigration detention centers, including family facilities, coinciding with the opening of a controversial detention center in the Florida Everglades.

Despite opposition, Republican leaders remain committed. Senator Katie Britt emphasized the bill’s intention to allow citizens to retain more of their income, while Senator Lindsey Graham reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the legislation to Trump’s desk.