


Senate Republicans managed to secure exactly enough votes today to pass the party’s marquee bill to slash taxes and social safety net programs. The legislation, which was designed to deliver on President Trump’s agenda, passed with a 51-to-50 margin after Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote.
Three Republicans joined every single Democrat in opposition. And even after an extraordinary all-night session — during which senators donned fluffy blankets, snacked like college kids and struggled to stay awake — Republican leaders still needed to offer last-minute sweeteners to win over the final holdout. The sleepless slog underscored deep unease about the legislation, even among Trump’s allies.
The bill now heads to the House, where it still must pass before becoming law. There, Speaker Mike Johnson pledged to quickly approve the legislation. But if all Democrats vote “no,” which is expected, Johnson can afford to lose only three votes from his own party — and several Republicans have voiced opposition to parts of the legislation. (Here’s an updated look at what’s in the bill.)
For more: The bill’s tax cuts would benefit high-earners the most, while cuts to health insurance, food stamps and other benefits would weigh heaviest on the poorest Americans.
Analysis: The bill could add at least $3.3 trillion to the nation’s debt over the next 10 years and reduce the amount of tax revenue the country collects for decades, risking a debt crisis.