Washington, D.C. – U.S. senators kicked off a marathon 'vote-a-rama' Monday as Republicans race to pass President Donald Trump’s flagship 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. The sprawling package clocks in at $4.5 trillion, aiming to extend first-term tax cuts, boost military spending, and fund tougher border security and mass deportations.
Deep divisions have emerged over proposals that would strip around $1 trillion in subsidized health care from millions of Americans living near the poverty line. Critics warn the plan would drive up the national debt by more than $3 trillion over the next decade, setting records for U.S. budget deficits.
The Senate ground to a near halt in early evening, managing just 14 amendment votes in the first seven hours of the notoriously grueling 'vote-a-rama'. As members eye the 2026 midterm elections, concerns about cuts to social welfare collide with calls to rein in government spending.
With Republicans holding a razor-thin majority, the outcome now hinges on party unity. All Democrats are expected to vote against the bill, but President Trump’s influence suggests the measure will likely clear the Senate and head to the House next.
For young entrepreneurs, activists, and global citizens tracking economic policy, this showdown highlights the tension between long-term fiscal health and immediate policy priorities. The final vote is set for later this week, with potential impacts on health care, defense, and the broader U.S. economy.
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U.S. Senate in final slog towards vote on Trump spending bill
cgtn.com