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.

In a communication honoring the day of Gimmel Tammuz, the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, President Donald J. Trump issued a letter to the Rebbe’s Ohel.
President Trump calls the Rebbe “one of the most dynamic and influential faith leaders in modern history,” and relates how he personally drew strength from Rebbe’s legacy during his visit to the Ohel in Queens, NY last year.
The text of the letter:
Dear Rabbis of Chabad-Lubavitch,
Melania and I are honored to send our greetings on the occasion of the yahrtzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, to the Chabad shluchim and the millions inspired by him across our country and around the world.

A terrible tragedy struck the Crown Heights community on Shabbos with the petirah of 8-year-old Mordechai Keller.
Mordechai, a young boy from Crown Heights, lost his life in a devastating car accident that occurred on Eastern Parkway near Albany Avenue on Shabbos afternoon.
According to sources, Mordechai was crossing the street with his sister when he was fatally hit by an SUV. The driver remained at the scene and was not arrested. Police are investigating.
He leaves behind his grieving parents, Avraham and Nechama Dina Keller, and his siblings.
Umacha Hashem dimah me’al kol ponim.

{Matzav.com}

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York informed fellow Democrats on Saturday that he intends to have Senate clerks read aloud the entire 1,000-page Republican-sponsored spending and tax bill once the GOP initiates a procedural vote to move it forward. This maneuver, aimed at slowing down the legislative process, is expected to consume roughly 12 hours and could stall President Trump’s legislative timeline by at least half a day.
According to a Democratic aide with knowledge of the floor strategy discussions, Schumer told members of his caucus to be ready to demand a full reading of the lengthy bill as soon as Republicans begin formal debate.

Elon Musk, tech billionaire and former DOGE executive, used his 54th birthday to post a scathing critique of the latest version of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” warning that it would cost countless American jobs and jeopardize the country’s strategic interests. His comments were posted to X on Sunday.
“The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Utterly insane and destructive,” Musk wrote.
This latest criticism follows an earlier falling-out between Musk and Trump over the spending package. Earlier in June, Musk slammed the initial version of the bill, calling it bloated and reckless.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk on Saturday doubled down on his distas

Iran has officially disconnected all UN surveillance cameras from its nuclear sites, prompting an IAEA warning that the move could drastically hinder oversight of its nuclear activities.

At Da Nang Airport in Vietnam, a VietJet passenger plane collided with another aircraft while taxiing on the runway, severing the other plane’s tail. The incident happened as both jets were on the ground, readying for takeoff. No injuries occurred, but the crash caused extensive damage, grounding both aircraft.

In a powerful message marking Gimmel Tammuz, President Donald J. Trump sent a letter to the Rebbe’s Ohel, calling the Rebbe “one of the most dynamic and influential faith leaders in modern history.” President Trump reflected on his visit to the Ohel last year, noting how he personally drew strength and inspiration from the Rebbe’s enduring legacy.