Overview and Background

On Tuesday, Senate Republicans narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s significant tax and spending bill, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," with a 50-50 vote. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The passage followed a tense weekend of negotiations, during which three Republican senators—Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul—joined Democrats in opposition. The bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and substantial reductions to Medicaid, now moves back to the House for further consideration, where Speaker Mike Johnson has cautioned against major changes.

Key Findings

• The Senate bill proposes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, making permanent the tax rates established in 2017.
• It includes $1.2 trillion in cuts primarily to Medicaid and food stamps, imposing stricter eligibility requirements.
• Under the bill, a new program, "Trump Accounts," would establish tax-deferred investment accounts for newborns, potentially allowing undocumented immigrants to qualify.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 11.8 million Americans could become uninsured by 2034 if the bill is enacted.
• Democrats have expressed strong opposition, labeling the bill as detrimental to working-class Americans and a boon for billionaires.

Details of the Legislation

The bill aims to extend tax cuts set to expire and introduces new provisions, including a $350 billion allocation for border and national security. It also proposes a significant overhaul of Medicaid, with concerns raised about the potential impact on millions of Americans' healthcare access. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated, “In the end we got the job done,” despite facing internal party dissent.

“Today, Donald Trump and the Republican party sent a message to America: if you are not a billionaire, we don’t give a damn about you,” said Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chair.

Next Steps

As the bill returns to the House, GOP leaders are working to secure support from hesitant members. With a vote expected imminently, the outcome remains uncertain as party leaders navigate internal divisions. The White House has intensified its lobbying efforts, emphasizing the bill's potential for economic growth.

Overall, the passage of this legislation marks a pivotal moment for the Republican Party and President Trump, reflecting ongoing tensions within the party and significant implications for American social policy moving forward.