Senate Gears for Final Trump Megabill Vote Amid GOP Holdouts, SNAP Cuts Debate

The Senate is engaged in a prolonged vote-a-rama on President Trump's massive GOP policy legislation known as the "big, beautiful bill," with Republicans stalling for a key parliamentary ruling that could exempt Alaska and Hawaii from SNAP cuts, a pivotal factor for Sen. Lisa Murkowski's support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working to secure votes from several Republican holdouts, including moderates like Murkowski and Susan Collins, and conservatives pressing for deeper Medicaid cuts, although some amendments seeking additional Medicaid reductions face uncertain prospects. Democrats have mounted strong opposition with numerous amendments to challenge the bill's provisions, which include trillions in tax cuts and significant cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, with some Democrats successfully drawing GOP support on select amendments protecting rural hospitals and Medicaid funding. Murkowski's vote remains uncertain despite GOP efforts to tailor the bill with Alaska-specific benefits, as some provisions may not comply with Senate rules and could require adjustments. Republicans can afford only a few defections, with senators like Thom Tillis and Rand Paul already opposed, while others, including Ron Johnson and Rick Scott, push for more aggressive Medicaid spending cuts, adding to the complexity of securing final passage. The Senate aims to vote on final passage soon, with the House scheduled to consider the bill midweek, all under pressure to meet President Trump's July 4 deadline.