THE NEWS DOSE OVERSEAS DESK
June 29,UPDATED:3.30PM
The U.S. Senate took a major step toward advancing President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative package in a dramatic late-night session Saturday, narrowly clearing a key procedural hurdle with a 51-49 vote. The measure combines $3.8 trillion in tax cuts—many stemming from Trump-era breaks—with significant spending reductions, including to social safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, as well as increased funding for deportation enforcement.
Key Highlights:
- Close Vote: The procedural vote passed with just 51 votes. Republicans Thom Tillis (NC) and Rand Paul (KY) broke ranks and voted against the motion, joining all Senate Democrats.
- Vice President JD Vance was present in case of a tie, but was not needed.
- Intense Negotiations: Voting stalled for hours as Senate leadership scrambled to secure the needed votes from GOP holdouts.
- Next Steps: The bill now proceeds to full Senate debate, including a “vote-a-rama” of potential amendments, likely stretching over several days. If passed, the bill returns to the House.
White House & GOP Leadership Position:
- The White House strongly supports the legislation, calling it a cornerstone of Trump’s domestic agenda.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urged colleagues to “get this legislation across the finish line.”
Controversy & Backlash:
- Elon Musk, the former Trump official and tech magnate, has become a vocal critic of the bill, calling it “utterly insane,” “pork-filled,” and “political suicide” for Republicans. He argues it subsidizes outdated industries while harming future-focused sectors, potentially costing millions of jobs.
- Musk’s criticism reflects a growing rift between the Republican establishment and some of the more libertarian or tech-aligned voices formerly close to the administration.
