Senate Holds Marathon Voting Session for Trump’s Budget Bill Amidst Political Tensions
Lawmakers engage in lengthy amendments debate over Trump’s bill.
Senate Holds Marathon Voting Session for Trump’s Budget Bill Amidst Political Tensions
Long hours expected as Senate weighs crucial amendments.
Good morning, and welcome to another intense session of US politics as the Senate holds a marathon vote on Donald Trump’s sprawling budget proposal, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation is essential for Trump’s agenda and, if it passes, will introduce significant tax breaks while cutting healthcare and food programmes. Senators have assembled at the Capitol for a so-called “vote-a-rama”, where they will propose amendments to this extensive legislation during what could be possibly hours of voting.
Democrats warn of increased national debt from proposed cuts.
As senators grapple with the details, Democrats have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the bill’s tax cuts primarily favour the wealthy at the expense of lower-income Americans. Projected to add a staggering $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, the bill has created divisions even among Republicans. While the Republican majority generally supports Trump, they are now debating how deep welfare cuts need to be to extend the tax breaks outlined in the budget.
Musk announces new political party as Trump reshapes Senate dynamics.
At around 2.30 am in Washington, voting has been underway for over 16 hours, raising concerns and anticipation as a decision is expected in the coming two to three hours. In related political news, Elon Musk, a significant backer of Trump, has announced plans to establish a new political party called the “America Party”, aiming to support candidates who opposed the budget bill in future elections. Meanwhile, the Senate parliamentarian has allowed a measure that would cut Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood to be included in Trump’s proposal, intensifying the stakes of this ongoing debate.
