Senate Advances Trump's Bill With 51-49 Vote

The Senate passed President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" with a narrow 51-49 vote late Saturday night. This procedural vote allowed the bill to advance to a full debate, marking a significant milestone in the legislative process. The bill, which encompasses a range of tax and spending measures, has been a contentious issue among lawmakers, with Republicans largely supporting it and Democrats opposing it.

The vote was a close call, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting against. This party-line vote underscores the deep divisions within the Senate on the bill's provisions. The passage of the bill sets the stage for a more comprehensive debate and potential amendments in the coming days. The final vote on the bill is still pending, and it remains to be seen whether any changes will be made before it reaches the President's desk.

The bill's advancement comes as a victory for President Trump, who has been pushing for its passage. He took to social media to celebrate the "great victory" for his "great, big, beautiful bill." The President has set a self-imposed deadline for the bill's passage, adding pressure on lawmakers to finalize the legislation promptly. The Senate's move to open debate on the bill brings it one step closer to meeting this deadline.

However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The bill faces potential opposition from within the Republican Party itself, as some members have expressed reservations about certain provisions. The final text of the bill, which was revealed during the Senate's deliberations, has sparked a family feud among Republicans, with some calling for further amendments before a final vote.

Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul broke ranks, voting against Trump’s spending package. This vote showed how divided Republicans still are about parts of Trump’s plan. Behind the scenes, party leaders worked hard to convince hesitant senators to say yes. Vice President JD Vance even came to the Capitol in case he had to break a tie, but his extra vote wasn’t needed this time.

For Trump, who has made this bill the centerpiece of his second term, this vote showed how much he needs his party to stick together to get things done. As the vote dragged on, Trump didn’t stay silent. He posted on Truth Social that he’s already looking to back someone to run against Senator Tillis in 2026. Trump made it clear that he wants lawmakers who stand firmly with him and his promises to voters.

The bill includes permanent 2017 tax cuts, no taxes on tips/overtime, roughly $150 billion in defense and border funding, and a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase to make it happen. It cuts billions from Medicaid and SNAP, with a new $25 billion rural Medicaid fund for 2028–2032. It also repeals green energy tax credits, phases out SALT itemized deductions, and proposes selling 1.2 million acres of federal land.

While the spending bill stole the spotlight, crypto traders are keeping an eye on the GENIUS Act, which is now moving to the House of Representatives for a vote. Earlier, a top House member said the GENIUS Act might only pass if it fits well with another bill — the CLARITY Act. This merger could finally reshape crypto regulation in the U.S.