Senate Advances Trump $3.8T Tax, Medicaid, Border Bill Debate

The U.S. Senate has moved forward with debate on President Donald Trump's $3.8 trillion tax and spending package, a key component of his domestic agenda, after a narrow 51-49 vote. Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, delayed proceedings by forcing a full reading of the 940-page bill over nearly 16 hours to highlight controversial provisions, including deep Medicaid and welfare cuts that could result in millions losing health coverage. Despite Republican defections from Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis, who opposed the bill over Medicaid and spending concerns, GOP leaders secured enough support to advance the measure, which includes sweeping tax cuts and border security funding. The Senate now faces up to 20 hours of debate followed by a lengthy 'vote-a-rama' with dozens of amendments before a final vote, with Majority Leader John Thune expressing uncertainty about sufficient Republican backing to pass the bill. Trump has urged Congress to complete the legislation by July 4, warning of primary challenges to dissenting Republicans. Critics such as Elon Musk have condemned parts of the bill, calling it 'political suicide,' while proponents emphasize its importance to advancing Trump's agenda.