The Senate is currently engaged in a marathon voting session on President Donald Trump's sweeping domestic policy bill, stretching through the night and into the early hours of Tuesday. This comes after a weekend of intense negotiations and delays, leaving the fate of the bill hanging in the balance.
Republicans Scramble for Votes, Democrats Push Back
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the uncertainty Monday morning, stating that it remains to be seen if Republicans have secured the necessary votes for passage. He cautioned that the process could be lengthy.
The vote-a-rama, characterized by hours of continuous voting on various amendments, began around 9:35 a.m. on Monday and continues with no clear end in sight. This extended session provides Republicans with a chance to make last-minute adjustments and allows Democrats to target perceived weaknesses in the bill, forcing tough votes that could be used in future campaign ads.
Trump's Vision: Tax Cuts, Military Spending, and Safety Net Changes
Trump's multitrillion-dollar bill proposes significant federal tax cuts while simultaneously increasing funding for the Pentagon and border security agencies. It also aims to downsize government safety-net programs, including Medicaid.
Democrats Focus on Medicaid Cuts
Democrats have particularly focused their opposition on the proposed cuts to Medicaid and other safety-net programs like food stamps, using these issues to criticize the president's agenda. Over the weekend, Senate Democrats employed a delaying tactic, forcing clerks to read the entire bill aloud, a process that took over twelve hours.
Time is Running Out
Lawmakers face a tight deadline to pass the legislation, as President Trump has demanded its delivery by the Fourth of July. If the Senate approves the bill, it must then return to the House for further consideration.
- Historic Cuts to Medicaid
- Increased Military Spending
- Potential Impact on Social Safety Nets