Trump's tax legislation by the Senate marked a significant political development, as it advances to the House for final consideration. The bill, which was approved with a narrow vote of 51-50, included substantial tax cuts while also proposing cuts to essential social safety net programs such as Medicaid and SNAP . Vice President JD Vance's tiebreaking vote underscores the contentious nature of this legislation, highlighting deep divisions within the Republican Party regarding fiscal policy and social welfare funding.
Trump and Republicans in Congress.
It took an extraordinary all-night session and some last-minute sweeteners for the final holdout for Republican leaders to drag the bill to passage, an effort that underscored the deep unease about the legislation. Senator Lisa Murkowski, the Alaska Republican who was a final holdout and backed it only after securing protections for her constituents from its most painful cuts, called the process “agonizing.”
Senate Republicans’ version of the bill differs in key ways from what the House passed in May. Both chambers will ultimately have to pass the same version to send the package to Trump’s desk by his desired July Fourth deadline.
But the general contours of the massive piece of legislation are known. It extends Trump’s first-term tax cuts, funds his vision for a border wall, and offsets some of that revenue loss and additional spending with cuts to federal support for the social safety net that helps Americans afford food and health insurance.
Collins, a moderate up for reelection next year in a blue state, joined Tillis in opposing the bill, citing her concerns about Medicaid cuts. Paul, a deficit hawk, opposed it on different grounds: that it didn’t cut spending enough.
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who expressed concerns about the legislation’s Medicaid cuts, ultimately voted for it. The bill was loaded with benefits for Alaska, including a special tax break for whaling captains.
Critics argue that extending tax cuts from Trump's first term will disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans while undermining critical support systems for low-income individuals . The legislation has sparked concerns among some House Republicans who fear potential backlash from constituents reliant on these programs. As debates continue in the House, the implications of this bill could significantly influence public health coverage and overall economic equity in the United States moving forward.
Read more
Rising Southern Ocean salinity may be causing the terminal decline of Antarctic sea ice Bitcoin Breaks Monthly Record at $107K—Next Stop? 9% Higher, Says Analyst
Sara H
Also on site :