Senate Nears Vote on Trump’s $4.5 Trillion “Beautiful Bill” Amid GOP Division

The U.S. Senate on Sunday moved one step closer to voting on President Donald Trump’s sweeping and controversial spending proposal, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which promises a dramatic reshaping of America’s fiscal landscape but has deeply divided lawmakers including within Trump’s own Republican Party.

The bill, which seeks to cement Trump’s legacy heading into a potential second term, includes a renewal of his 2017 tax cuts set to expire this year at an estimated cost of $4.5 trillion. It also features hefty investments in border security and military spending, while slashing funding for key social welfare programs including Medicaid and food assistance.

Analysts say the plan would strip healthcare coverage from millions and increase the national debt by over $3 trillion.

The Senate officially began debate late Saturday after a delayed procedural vote, narrowly passing a motion to proceed with 51 votes. Two moderate Republican senators joined all 47 Democrats in opposing the measure, drawing swift condemnation from the president.

“ONE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL is moving along nicely! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Sunday evening, framing the bill as a landmark reform that would lower consumer costs and restore American greatness.

Despite Trump’s optimism, momentum remains fragile. With the July 4 deadline fast approaching a symbolic target Trump has promoted to align with Independence Day celebrations. Doubts are growing about whether the legislation can overcome internal GOP resistance and unanimous Democratic opposition.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Trump lashed out at Democrats for allegedly stalling the process, saying,

There are a lot of bad people in the Democrat Party.” He also accused them of politicizing negotiations over the debt ceiling, which the bill would raise significantly to accommodate new spending.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, typically aligned with Trump, has been notably reserved, suggesting private reservations among senior Republicans.

Many lawmakers are wary of backing a bill that could expose them to voter backlash in the 2026 midterms, especially amid fears of ballooning deficits and cuts to popular programs.