Senate Republicans Push Trump’s 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Through Tense Vote Amid GOP Drama

Senate Republicans, in a nail-biting 51-49 vote, pushed President Donald Trump’s massive legislative package, dubbed the "big, beautiful bill," past a critical procedural hurdle after intense late-night negotiations. The vote, which unlocked a 20-hour debate, saw only Sens. Thom Tillis and Rand Paul break ranks, while Sen. Ron Johnson’s last-minute switch from "no" to "yes"—flanked by Vice President JD Vance—kept the bill alive.

The 940-page megabill, finalized just before midnight Saturday, sparked heated GOP infighting over Medicaid provider tax rates, energy tax credits, and the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. Last-minute tweaks, like delaying the Medicaid tax rate change by a year and adding a $25 billion rural hospital fund, swayed holdouts like Sen. Susan Collins, though she remains skeptical about final passage.

Democrats, led by Sen. Chuck Schumer, plan to drag out the process by forcing a full reading of the bill, potentially stalling debate into the night. Meanwhile, Republicans brace for a grueling "vote-a-rama," where amendments could reshape the bill before it heads back to the House for a final sprint to Trump’s desk by July 4.

From tax cuts for whaling boat captains to nutrition waivers for Alaska, the bill’s sweeteners reveal the lengths taken to secure votes. Yet, with Trump vowing to sign it, failure could spell political disaster for the GOP.