Senate Passes Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ Sending It to House for Final Vote

The U.S. Senate has passed President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” advancing a sweeping package of tax cuts, social program reductions, and increased defense spending in a tight 51–50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the deciding ballot.

The bill, which has been a centerpiece of Trump’s second-term domestic agenda, includes the permanent extension of 2017-era tax cuts, an additional $150 billion in defense and border security spending, and significant reductions to Medicaid and other federal assistance programs. It also raises the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion and rolls back several clean energy incentives, redirecting funds toward traditional energy development and infrastructure.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will fuel economic growth by lowering taxes and strengthening national security, while critics warn it could sharply increase the federal deficit, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will rise by over $3 trillion in the next decade if the measure is enacted in full.

Three Republican senators—Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Thom Tillis—voted against the bill, citing concerns over its impact on the deficit and cuts to healthcare services. Despite these defections, Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that the bill delivers on President Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize the economy and border security.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where Republican leadership aims to pass the bill swiftly before the July 4 deadline set by the Trump administration. However, debate within the party is expected over entitlement cuts and deficit concerns, which could influence final negotiations before the bill reaches the president’s desk for signature.

With input from Al Jazeera.