In a dramatic overnight session, the US Senate engaged in a marathon vote-a-rama on President Donald Trump’s highly controversial One Trump Big Beautiful Bill Act — a nearly 1,000-page spending package designed to reshape America’s budget priorities.
The bill proposes major funding boosts for border security, defence, and energy production, while drawing sharp criticism for substantial cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and healthcare programmes. The vote — ongoing for over 22 hours — has ignited intra-party battles, high-profile backlash, and fears over a ballooning national debt.
What’s in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’?
The bill, central to Trump’s 2025 agenda, is being lauded by some Republicans as a long-overdue realignment of government spending. But critics warn the proposed cuts could leave nearly 12 million Americans without health insurance and significantly reduce food assistance access for vulnerable families.
The bill’s estimated impact on the US national debt has also raised alarms. The US Treasury Department reports national debt stands at $36 trillion, Trump Big Beautiful Bill and the Congressional Budget Office projects this bill could add an additional $3.3 trillion if passed.
Senate Vote-a-Rama and Party Divisions
Senators debated through Monday night into Tuesday morning, voting individually on amendments in a process dubbed “vote-a-rama.” At one point, Vice President JD Vance arrived on Capitol Hill, signaling Republicans may need his tie-breaking vote if defections continue.
Among the key failed amendments:
- Sen. John Cornyn’s proposal to reduce Medicaid payments to states covering certain undocumented immigrants.
- Sen. Ed Markey’s amendment aimed at preventing rural hospital closures.
- Democratic attempts to reverse cuts to food aid.
Two Republican senators, including Thom Tillis of North Carolina, voted against even opening debate. Tillis, who announced his retirement afterward, accused lawmakers of breaking campaign promises and said, “Too many elected officials don’t give a damn about the people they promised to represent.”
Elon Musk vs Trump: A Political Split
The bill has reignited tensions between Trump and Elon Musk, who until recently headed Doge (Department of Government Efficiency). Musk criticized Republicans for expanding spending after campaigning to cut it, calling the legislation the “biggest debt increase in history.”
In response, Trump lashed out on Truth Social, suggesting Musk should have Doge investigate the billions in subsidies Tesla has received. He said, “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa.”
What’s Next for the Bill?
Once the Senate concludes voting, the updated bill heads back to the House of Representatives for a final vote, which could occur as early as Wednesday morning. The House initially passed a version of the bill with a razor-thin majority last week.
But the House Freedom Caucus — a conservative fiscal group — has threatened to derail the final version over its projected deficit increase of more than $650 billion.
Despite the chaos, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says Trump remains “confident” the bill will be on his desk by 4 July for signing into law.
Conclusion: Political Gamble or Fiscal Nightmare?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act could define the second Trump presidency, but it’s doing so by dividing even the Republican base. With public backlash rising, inter-party strife growing, and economic warning signs flashing, the future of Trump’s marquee legislation remains on a razor’s edge.
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