Senate Begins Debate on Trump’s Major Tax, Medicaid, and Border Bill

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate has started a high-profile debate over President Donald Trump’s sweeping plan to cut taxes, change Medicaid rules, and increase funding for border security. The massive 940-page bill has set up a tense battle as Republicans try to unite their narrow majority to pass one of Trump’s key priorities.

Late Saturday night, senators voted 51-49 to move the bill forward. The vote followed hours of closed-door talks as Republican leaders tried to secure enough support. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance personally called senators who were still undecided. In the end, two Republicans, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, joined Democrats in voting against proceeding. They said they were concerned about the bill’s cost and how it could impact Medicaid.

In a rare protest, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–New York) forced clerks to read the entire bill out loud on the Senate floor. The reading lasted into early Sunday morning. “If Republicans want to pass this bill, Americans deserve to hear exactly what is in it,” Schumer said.

The legislation proposes significant tax cuts, new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, and billions of dollars to expand border barriers and security technology. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R–South Dakota) admitted that the bill’s final passage is still uncertain. “I don’t know if we have the votes yet,” Thune said. “We’re going to find out.”

Over the next few days, senators will hold up to 20 hours of debate, with time split between both parties. Democrats plan to use most of their time to raise concerns about how the bill could affect working families. After the debate ends, the Senate will begin what is called a “vote-a-rama,” a series of quick votes on dozens of proposed amendments. The process could last several hours and stretch late into the night.

The earliest a final vote could happen is June 30. If the bill passes the Senate, it must go back to the House for final approval before reaching President Trump’s desk.

“This is one of the most important votes we will take,” said Sen. Susan Collins (R–Maine), who is still undecided. “We must take the time to do it carefully.”