A marathon session of negotiations stretching over 24 hours has left a massive tax and spending bill stalled in the US Senate, with its fate hanging precariously as Republicans scramble to secure enough votes. Despite President Donald Trump's initial push for the legislation to be on his desk by July 4th, that deadline now appears increasingly unlikely.
Republican Divisions Hinder Progress
The nearly 1,000-page bill, a cornerstone of Trump's second-term agenda, aims to extend significant tax cuts enacted during his first term. To offset the revenue loss, Republicans propose sweeping spending cuts across various programs, including healthcare for lower-income Americans and food subsidies. However, these proposed cuts have become a major point of contention within the Republican ranks themselves, preventing a unified front.
Currently, four Republican senators — Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul of Kentucky — have publicly stated their inability to support the bill in its current form. With the party holding a slim majority, they can only afford three defections, meaning Republican leadership needs to win over at least one of these holdouts to pass the legislation.
Leadership's Uphill Battle and the Vice President's Role
Mid-morning Tuesday saw Senate Majority Leader John Thune pacing the Senate floor, a visible sign of the mounting pressure. The success or failure of this critical bill largely rests on his shoulders. While Republican leadership initially seemed confident of having the numbers, the ongoing "vote-a-rama" — a continuous debate and voting on amendments — has starkly highlighted the deep divisions within the party.
Vice President JD Vance arrived on Capitol Hill early Tuesday, just after 6:00 EST, specifically to cast tie-breaking votes. He's already demonstrated his crucial role by pushing one amendment through a tight margin, and his presence underscores the razor-thin majorities Republicans are navigating.
Amendments Wrap Up, Final Vote Uncertain
As the amendments process nears its end, Republican Senate leadership is engaged in intense conversations and negotiations with the dissenting senators. They've made it clear they will not bring the bill to a final vote until they are confident they have the necessary support. The exact timing of a potential vote remains unclear.
House Battle Still Looms
Even if the bill manages to clear the Senate, it faces another significant hurdle in the House of Representatives. The House previously passed its version of a budget bill by a single vote in May. Given the numerous changes made in the Senate, the legislation will need to return to the House for another vote, where Republicans, who also hold a slim majority, anticipate another uphill battle. Democrats in both chambers remain unified in their opposition to the bill, actively attempting to impede its passage.
Trump Softens Deadline
President Trump, who initially demanded the bill by Friday, July 4th, has softened his stance following the protracted Senate debates. "I'd love to do July 4th, but I think it's tough to do July 4th…. I would say maybe July 4th or somewhere around there," Trump told reporters, acknowledging the complexities of the legislative process.
The coming days will be critical as Republican leadership works to bridge the divides within their party and push forward a bill essential to the President's legislative agenda.