Senate Republicans Divided Over $3.3 Trillion Tax Bill Vote

Senate Republicans are grappling with internal divisions over President Trump's $3.3 trillion tax and spending bill, which proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and other social welfare programs while offering tax breaks favoring the wealthy. Democrats, in the minority, are exploiting these GOP fractures by initiating a marathon 'vote-a-rama' session to force votes on numerous amendments aimed at spotlighting the bill's most contentious provisions and pressuring Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Some Republican senators, including one from Maine, have proposed amendments such as increasing the rural hospital fund in exchange for tax hikes on the ultra-wealthy, though these stand little chance of passing. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects a substantial increase in the national debt due to the bill, a point Democrats use to criticize it as fiscally irresponsible and harmful to healthcare coverage. Senate Majority Leader John Thune defends the bill as necessary for reducing spending growth and supporting families and small businesses, while acknowledging the ongoing negotiations and uncertainty about the bill's final passage. The legislation remains a high-stakes priority for President Trump and GOP leaders, who aim to finalize it before the July Fourth holiday despite a narrow Senate majority and significant opposition.