Washington: President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Senate Republicans to unite and pass his massive tax and spending proposal — dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" — even as divisions within the party threaten to delay its passage.
Republican leaders are racing to push the bill through Congress ahead of the July 4 holiday. The legislation includes an extension of Trump-era tax cuts, new funding for immigration enforcement, and increased military spending. However, it would also raise the national debt, which currently stands at $36.2 trillion, by trillions more.
The bill has ignited fierce debate among Republicans. Party moderates are concerned about deep cuts to social programs like Medicaid, while fiscal hardliners are demanding more aggressive spending reductions to curb the federal deficit.
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri criticized provisions that could jeopardize funding for rural hospitals. "This rural hospital thing is really becoming a drag," he said. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina warned that a proposed $100 billion rural hospital fund may fall short of keeping such facilities fully operational. Senator Susan Collins of Maine echoed concerns about Medicaid cuts, further highlighting GOP divisions.
Trump, in a fiery social media post, urged Republicans to work around the clock. “Lock yourself in a room if you must, don’t go home, and GET THE DEAL DONE THIS WEEK,” he wrote. “NO ONE GOES ON VACATION UNTIL IT’S DONE.”
Despite internal conflicts, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that the Senate would meet the July 4 deadline. "What the Senate sends to the House will move quickly," he said after meeting with GOP senators.
The Senate version of the bill is expected to cost more than the House version, which the Congressional Budget Office estimated would increase the deficit by at least $2.8 trillion, despite potential economic growth. Independent analysts suggest the Senate plan may result in even higher costs.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer slammed the proposal, calling it fiscally reckless. "They know their plan is a debt buster, but they don't seem to care," he said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune maintains optimism, stating the chamber is on course to pass the bill this week. House Speaker Mike Johnson has pledged swift action once the Senate acts. Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers.
However, the bill's path has been complicated by rulings from the Senate parliamentarian, who has struck down several controversial provisions that don’t comply with the fast-track budget process Republicans are using to bypass a Democratic filibuster.
These rulings have angered conservative House members, including Representative Keith Self, who warned the bill may be in jeopardy. “The parliamentarian is killing the bill,” Self said, noting that key spending cuts were stripped out.
Thune has dismissed the idea of overruling the parliamentarian, emphasizing the importance of preserving Senate procedures. Still, GOP lawmakers have revised some blocked provisions in an attempt to win approval.
As the July 4 deadline approaches, Republicans face mounting pressure to resolve their differences and deliver a legislative victory on one of Trump’s top priorities.
