Trump Bill Advances in Senate: Narrow Vote Details
Senate drama unfolds in real time: President Trump’s tax and spending bill edged forward after a nail-biting Senate vote, overcoming Republican opposition.The bill, a key component of Trump’s agenda, narrowly passed 51-49, despite last-minute hesitations and a three-hour delay. Senators tillis and Paul voted against advancing the measure. The legislation features meaningful tax cuts alongside funding for immigration and defense initiatives. Democrats are already strategizing delays, promising a lengthy reading of the bill, perhaps impacting its final passage. This detailed report from News Directory 3 provides critical insight. Discover what’s next as the House prepares to weigh in, with potential hurdles ahead.
Senate Advances Trump’s Tax and Spending Bill After Last-Minute Hurdles
Updated June 29, 2025
The Senate moved forward on President Trump’s tax and spending bill late Saturday, a crucial step despite Republican infighting. The 51-49 vote saw all but two Republicans backing the measure, the centerpiece of Trump’s second-term agenda.
The vote was held open for over three hours as Republican senators sought guarantees from party leaders before agreeing to proceed. Vice President JD vance was present on Capitol Hill, prepared to cast a tie-breaking vote if needed, tho ultimately it was not necessary.
Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., opposed the bill.Trump, in a Truth Social post, suggested he would support primary challengers to Tillis, who faces reelection in 2026.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had expressed uncertainty about securing enough votes to advance the bill, pending rulings on whether certain provisions met Senate reconciliation rules. Meaningful policy disagreements also persisted.
The White House, in a statement, called failure to pass the bill “the ultimate betrayal,” urging Congress to send the bill to the President by July 4.
The bill proposes cuts to Medicaid and food assistance to fund tax cuts and Trump’s priorities. The Senate parliamentarian previously ruled that some provisions violated reconciliation rules, requiring Republicans to either remove or revise them.
Sen. Susan collins, R-Maine, said she would vote to advance the bill but might oppose final passage if further changes were not made.Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he would vote yes on final passage because Missouri would receive increased Medicaid funding.
Democrats, unable to block the bill, vowed to prolong the process. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., instructed Democrats to prepare for a full reading of the bill, delaying a final vote by hours.
What’s next
The House is expected to reconvene to vote on the Senate version if it passes. However, House Republicans cautioned that major Senate revisions could jeopardize its passage in the House.