Senate Clears Major Hurdle on Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” in Tight 51–49 Vote
Vote opens debate on the OBBB, which could face a final vote on Monday
Senate Republicans narrowly advanced a sweeping $1 trillion-plus package of tax cuts, spending boosts and policy changes aligned with President Trump’s agenda. The procedural vote to open debate on the 940-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB) passed 51–49, with two GOP senators opposed. The vote came in a rare late-night session on Saturday.
Both Alabama Senators, Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, voted to advance the bill.
President Trump praised the vote, saying on Truth Social: Tonight we saw a GREAT VICTORY in the Senate with the “GREAT, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL,” but, it wouldn’t have happened without the Fantastic Work of Senator Rick Scott, Senator Mike Lee, Senator Ron Johnson, and Senator Cynthia Lummis. They, along with all of the other Republican Patriots who voted for the Bill, are people who truly love our Country! As President of the USA, I am proud of them all, and look forward to working with them to GROW OUR ECONOMY, REDUCE WASTEFUL SPENDING, SECURE OUR BORDER, FIGHT FOR OUR MILITARY/VETS, ENSURE THAT OUR MEDICAID SYSTEM HELPS THOSE WHO TRULY NEED IT, PROTECT OUR SECOND AMENDMENT, AND SO MUCH MORE. GOD BLESS AMERICA &, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) broke ranks and joined Democrats in opposing the motion. Paul cited objections to a proposed $5 trillion increase in the federal debt limit, while Tillis criticized what he described as “tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina,” especially through Medicaid cuts.
The President also took to Truth Social to criticize the two GOP “no” votes, saying: “Thom Tillis has hurt the great people of North Carolina. Even on the catastrophic flooding, nothing was done to help until I took office. Then a MIRACLE took place! Tillis is a talker and complainer, NOT A DOER! He’s even worse than Rand “Fauci” Paul!”
The vote remained open for more than three hours as Republican leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune, worked the floor. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mike Lee (R-UT), Rick Scott (R-FL) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) initially withheld support but eventually swung to “yes” after private discussions and assurances.
Vice President J.D. Vance was a key figure in securing the Senate’s procedural vote. He arrived at the Capitol late Saturday, poised to cast the tie-breaking vote if necessary. More importantly, Vance joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune in urgent discussions with Sens. Lee, Scott, Lummis, and Johnson inside Thune’s office. After an intense period of negotiation, the group emerged together and headed to the Senate floor to cast the votes that tipped the tally in favor of advancing the bill.
The Senate’s version of the OBBB extends Trump-era tax cuts, removes taxes on tips and overtime pay, and funds border security and military programs — including about $150 billion more for defense. To offset the costs, it scales back Medicaid and SNAP programs and phases out clean-energy incentives.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the rushed rollout, complaining that Republicans unveiled the revised bill “in the dead of night,” leaving Senators little time to review its contents.
He also highlighted early budget estimates, warning of nearly $500 billion in deficit reduction assuming all tax cuts remain cost-free — but cautioning that, in real terms, deficits could grow by roughly $3.3 trillion over a decade, and health coverage could be reduced by nearly 12 million by 2034.
Sen. Tillis says he’ll oppose final passage: “I cannot support this bill in its current form … it would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina … forcing elimination of coverage for hundreds of thousands” .
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she voted to advance out of respect for Senate protocol but warned that her vote on final passage will depend on substantive changes .
Elon Musk took to X, calling the bill “utterly insane and destructive,” arguing it “gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future.” He also posted a poll he said called the bill “political suicide for Republicans.”
With debate on the bill now open, the Senate is expected to engage in marathon readings and amendments — possibly staying in session past midnight — before voting on final passage as early as Monday. If passed, the bill will return to the House for approval ahead of President Trump’s July 4 deadline.
