Senate Advances Trump’s 'One Big Beautiful Bill' After Narrow 51-49 Vote

President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' a sweeping legislative package including a $150 billion military spending increase, immigration enforcement, and significant tax cuts, cleared its first procedural hurdle in the Senate with a 51-49 vote. The bill faces intense criticism for its proposed cuts to Medicaid and clean energy programs, which opponents warn could harm rural hospitals, strip health coverage from millions, and roll back environmental initiatives. Republican Senator Ron Johnson, initially opposed, switched his vote to advance the bill, while Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis joined Democrats in opposition. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the late-night release and pushed for a full reading of the nearly 1,000-page bill, a process expected to take 15 hours, to ensure proper scrutiny. Trump hailed the vote as a significant victory for his legislative agenda, while critics including Elon Musk labeled the bill as destructive to jobs and strategic interests. The bill is seen as a signature achievement of Trump's first year back in office but faces ongoing opposition and uncertain final passage.