Senate Republicans took a major step late tonight by advancing President Trump’s sweeping legislative package, dubbed his “big, beautiful bill,” putting the chamber on track for a marathon weekend session aimed at pushing it through.
Despite ongoing disputes and behind-the-scenes negotiations, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) pressed ahead with efforts to secure passage of the bill—which includes provisions on taxes, border policy, military support, and raising the debt ceiling—by Independence Day.
A handful of GOP lawmakers initially resisted, holding up the process for more than three hours while discussions continued with party leaders. In the end, only Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) voted against moving forward.
The motion to proceed passed narrowly with a 51-49 vote, moving the bill into the formal debate and amendment phase.
Vice President JD Vance arrived on Capitol Hill in case a tie-breaking vote was necessary, but his services were ultimately not required.
Now that the procedural vote is complete, the Senate will enter a lengthy debate period followed by a series of amendment votes—commonly referred to as a “vote-a-rama”—before the final vote on the bill.
Democratic lawmakers have vowed to slow the process by insisting that all 940 pages of the legislation be read aloud on the Senate floor before any amendments are considered, which could take over ten hours.
Among the proposed changes, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is planning to introduce an amendment that would eliminate a temporary block on states enacting their own artificial intelligence laws.
That proposal appears to have momentum, with other Republicans, including Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), also critical of the restriction.
Meanwhile, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who had introduced a controversial provision to sell public lands to private developers for housing, announced during the vote that he would retract the plan.
Several GOP members—among them Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)—had voiced strong opposition to Lee’s proposal.
Earlier in the day, President Trump increased the urgency, distributing a formal statement from his administration emphasizing the importance of passing the legislation.
“President Trump is committed to keeping his promises, and failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal,” the statement read.

{Matzav.com}