The U.S. Senate entered a tense phase Sunday as lawmakers began debating a massive and polarizing spending proposal from President Donald Trump.
Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by the president, the package seeks to extend Trump-era tax cuts and dramatically expand funding for border security while slashing key social welfare programs.
The bill’s sweeping scope and staggering $4.5 trillion price tag have triggered fierce opposition across the political spectrum. With the 2026 midterm elections looming, the proposal has splintered the Republican Party, as some members worry about the bill’s long-term impact on the national debt and its harsh reductions to Medicaid.
The legislation would reportedly remove health coverage from an estimated 8.6 million low-income Americans, placing rural hospitals in jeopardy and drawing criticism from advocacy groups and healthcare experts.
Despite Trump’s push for rapid passage by Independence Day, resistance within his own party has slowed momentum. Two Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing the motion to begin debate, leading to a razor-thin procedural win.
Trump lashed out on social media, calling opponents within the GOP disloyal and accusing Democrats of deliberately obstructing progress for political gain.
The president’s combative rhetoric intensified over the weekend, labeling Democrats as “very evil” and “incompetent” in a Fox News interview. His messaging also took aim at Republican Senator Thom Tillis, a vocal critic of the bill, who later announced he would not seek re-election. Former ally Elon Musk also condemned the bill, calling it “insane and destructive” for undermining clean energy industries while favoring outdated sectors.
Public backlash to the bill is growing. Polling indicates that the proposed legislation is unpopular among most voters, including those in conservative-leaning districts.
Independent analysts warn that the bill would deepen inequality, with provisions that disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while stripping resources from the most vulnerable populations.
