The US Senate is locked in a marathon voting session on President Donald Trump's massive budget proposal, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The bill remains uncertain as Republican lawmakers clash over how deeply to cut welfare programs while aiming to extend $3.8 trillion in Trump-era tax breaks. The legislation spans nearly 1,000 pages and would increase spending on border security, defense, and energy, while significantly cutting healthcare and food-support programs. The Congressional Budget Office warns that nearly 12 million Americans could lose health insurance coverage.
The bill is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, which currently stands at $36 trillion. Elon Musk, former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sharply criticized Republicans for abandoning their fiscal promises, accusing them of backing the largest debt increase in history. Musk has threatened to form a new political party if the bill is passed.
Senators have been locked in a “vote-a-rama,” debating and voting on individual amendments for over 20 hours. Most Democratic amendments seeking to reverse healthcare and food aid cuts have been voted down along party lines. Republicans remain divided, with some seeking harsher Medicaid restrictions and others, like Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul, opposing the debt increase and cuts to Medicaid. Tillis announced his retirement, citing disillusionment with party promises.
If Republicans lose three votes, Vice President JD Vance will need to break the tie. The bill will then return to the House of Representatives, where it could face opposition from fiscal conservatives who argue it adds $650 billion to the deficit. Still, the White House remains confident the bill will reach Trump's desk by July 4. Meanwhile, Trump has escalated his feud with Musk, criticizing the subsidies Musk’s companies have received.
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