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The U.S. Senate has passed a landmark tax and spending bill championed by former President Donald Trump, marking a significant step forward for one of his administration’s key legislative priorities.
Following a marathon 26-hour session, the bill was approved in a dramatic 50-50 split, with Vice President JD Vance casting the decisive tie-breaking vote late Tuesday night. The razor-thin victory followed weeks of intra-party negotiations, intense lobbying, and sharp divisions among Senate Republicans.
The legislation, which includes multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts and substantial increases in defense spending, is being touted by GOP leaders as a transformational overhaul intended to boost economic growth and strengthen national security. However, it also introduces sweeping cuts to federal social programs — the largest in decades — prompting fierce opposition from Democrats and concerns among some moderate Republicans.
“This is a major policy win for the American people,” Trump wrote on his social platform, Truth Social, after the vote. He urged House Republicans to swiftly adopt the Senate version and send it to his desk ahead of the July 4 deadline.
House GOP Faces Next Challenge
Attention now turns to the House of Representatives, where Republican leaders plan to review the Senate-passed version on Wednesday. Despite holding a narrow majority, House Republicans remain divided, with several lawmakers expressing reservations over key provisions adjusted during Senate negotiations.
Insiders say leadership is racing to finalize the bill in time for a presidential signing before Independence Day, positioning the measure as a cornerstone of the GOP’s legislative agenda.
High-Stakes Negotiations and a Key Tie-Breaker
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Vice President Vance reportedly engaged in days of high-stakes discussions to secure the backing of key Republican holdouts, including Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In exchange, specific policy amendments were made to address concerns relevant to her state. Murkowski ultimately cast the pivotal 50th vote in support of the bill.
In contrast, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joined Democrats in opposing the measure, citing the bill’s potential impact on social safety nets in her state. Meanwhile, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina surprised colleagues by announcing his retirement rather than vote in favor, a move seized upon by Democrats as a sign of deepening GOP fractures.
Democrats React: 'A Windfall for the Wealthy'
Senate Democrats condemned the bill, calling it a “betrayal” of working-class Americans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the measure as a giveaway to the wealthy and defense contractors at the expense of ordinary citizens.
“This legislation strips vital services from everyday Americans while rewarding the wealthiest few,” Schumer said. “The fact that a sitting senator chose to retire instead of supporting this bill speaks volumes.”Despite the sharp criticism, the Trump camp remains optimistic. On Truth Social, the former president urged House Republicans to “stay united” and pass the bill without delay.
As the House braces for a critical vote, the outcome will determine whether the GOP can rally behind the legislation in time for the July 4 deadline — and whether Trump can secure a legacy-defining policy win amid political uncertainty.