Trump's Mega-Bill Passes Senate in Nail-Biting Finish: House Showdown Looms!

2025-07-02 00:00:47.86

The Senate narrowly approved President Donald Trump's domestic agenda bill, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill, totaling multiple trillions of dollars, includes tax cuts, national security funding boosts, and significant cuts to the federal safety net. The bill now faces a crucial vote in the House, where GOP leaders are working to secure its passage before July 4th. President Trump expressed confidence in the bill's House passage, downplaying concerns about potential healthcare coverage losses. Meanwhile, James Fishback launched a super PAC to counter Elon Musk's potential political influence in the upcoming midterms, spurred by Musk's threats to fund a new political party and challenge pro-Trump Republicans. House Republicans, including Reps. Ralph Norman and Chip Roy, expressed reservations about the bill, potentially jeopardizing its passage. Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic. Elon Musk, a former Trump ally, criticized the bill due to its substantial debt increase, prompting a sharp retort from Trump. White House officials, including Russ Vought, defended the bill, while downplaying Musk's criticism. House Republicans, including Rep. Ralph Norman, openly opposed the bill, creating a tight margin for passage. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise cautioned against amendments that could derail the bill. President Trump urged House Republicans to remain united, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to use all legislative tools to block the bill. The Senate's passage of the bill involved intense negotiations, with key votes from Sen. Lisa Murkowski secured through concessions. The bill includes funding for air traffic control modernization. Senate Republicans offered varying perspectives on the bill's passage, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill and highlighted Democratic efforts to fight it. The House Rules Committee began considering the bill, with potential floor votes scheduled for the next day. Some House Republicans privately discussed blocking the bill from reaching the floor. Several key House lawmakers remained undecided on their votes. Senator Susan Collins voted against the bill, citing concerns about Medicaid cuts. President Trump reacted positively to the Senate's passage, expressing confidence in its House passage. The bill's future remains uncertain, with a potential showdown looming in the House.