by Amanda Ireland in Politics

In a dramatic late-night session, Senate Republicans narrowly cleared a key procedural hurdle to advance President Donald Trump's ambitious tax cut and spending plan. The 51-49 vote came after hours of tense negotiations and a showdown that saw Vice President JD Vance prepared to break a potential tie. Two Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the motion, highlighting internal divisions within the GOP. The bill, dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," includes permanent tax breaks, increased national security spending, and bolstered deportation funds, but also significant cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and green energy investments. These cuts have sparked fierce opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, with Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voting against the measure due to concerns over Medicaid cuts. Criticism also came from outside the Senate, with Elon Musk calling the package "utterly insane and destructive." The White House strongly supports the bill, and President Trump himself reportedly pressured holdout senators. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would increase the number of uninsured Americans by 11.8 million by 2034. Despite the narrow passage, the bill still faces a long road ahead, with all-night debate and amendments expected before a final vote.