Trump’s 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Tests Republican Unity as July 4th Deadline Looms

Republicans in Congress are on edge, pinning their hopes on President Donald Trump to unify the party behind his ambitious "big, beautiful bill." This sprawling legislation, touching tax reform, immigration, energy, defense, and the national debt, has sparked both excitement and division within GOP ranks. Trump’s deadline? He wants it signed by July 4th, a symbolic nod to American independence.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) didn’t mince words, urging Trump to flex his leadership muscle: "He’s the leader of the Republican Party. It’s on him to rally the Senate." The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s agenda, reflects the mandate of millions who backed him, Van Orden argued. Yet, the Senate’s slog through the legislation reveals cracks in party unity.

Trump’s been vocal, hyping the bill at recent events and on Truth Social, while his inner circle—Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Vice President JD Vance—works the phones to keep Senate Republicans in line. The House barely passed the bill in May, thanks to Trump’s hands-on approach, including rare Capitol Hill visits and White House pow-wows. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) called Trump the "closer in the bullpen," crediting his deal-making for the House win.

But not everyone’s sold. Some Senate Republicans, like Rick Scott (R-Fla.), are digging in, demanding clarity before committing. "I’m not voting for something I don’t understand," Scott said bluntly. Meanwhile, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) took a colorful jab at the endless debates, warning the Senate risks slipping into "the foothills of jackassery." He’s ready to vote, amendments or not.

House members like Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Dan Meuser (R-Penn.) trust Trump’s knack for deal-making will push the bill over the finish line. But with time ticking and divisions lingering, the question remains: can Trump’s political firepower deliver another victory?