Senate Republicans Push Forward with Trump's Tax and Spending Bill Amidst Opposition

Senate Republicans, in a late Saturday session, narrowly approved a procedural step to advance President Donald Trump’s tax break, spending cut, and deportation fund package. The vote, 51-49, followed a tense session with Vice President JD Vance on standby. Two Republicans opposed the motion, joining all Democrats.

Republicans are using their congressional majorities to overcome Democratic opposition, facing political and policy setbacks. Some GOP lawmakers disagree with proposals to reduce spending on Medicaid, food stamps, and other programs to cover the cost of extending Trump's tax breaks. The White House expressed strong support for the bill, while Trump was at his golf course.

The bill, released shortly before midnight Friday, is expected to undergo all-night debate and amendments. If passed by the Senate, it would need to return to the House for a final vote. With narrow Republican majorities, leaders need almost every lawmaker on board.

The legislation aims to make permanent many of the tax breaks from Trump’s first term, which would otherwise expire. It would also add new breaks and commit funds to national security, including Trump's deportation agenda. However, cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments are causing dissent within the GOP.

The Republicans are relying on the reductions to offset lost tax revenues, but some lawmakers believe the cuts go too far. Meanwhile, conservatives are pushing for steeper cuts. One senator announced he could not support the package due to changes to healthcare.

The release of the draft was delayed as the Senate parliamentarian reviewed the bill. Republicans suffered setbacks after several proposals were deemed out of compliance with the rules. However, they quickly revised and reinstated those proposals.

The final text includes a proposal for cuts to the Medicaid provider tax, which had faced parliamentary hurdles. The new version extends the start date for those cuts and establishes a fund to aid rural hospitals and providers. One senator vowed to ensure the reductions never go into effect.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has stated that under the House-passed version of the bill, more people would go without health care and fewer would qualify for food aid. The CBO has not yet assessed the Senate draft, which proposes steeper reductions.

The Senate included a compromise over the SALT provision, a deduction for state and local taxes, but the issue remains unsettled. The final draft includes a cap, but limits it for five years. Many Republican senators say that is still too generous. House GOP support was uncertain as the Senate draft was revealed.