In a dramatic and deeply divided vote, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed the Republican-led tax and spending bill on Tuesday, marking a significant yet controversial win for former President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda. With the final vote tally at 51-50, the measure passed only after Vice President JD Vance broke the tie — a reflection of just how fractured the GOP remains over the bill’s sweeping provisions.

The legislation aims to extend $3.8 trillion in Trump-era tax cuts, introduce new tax breaks on tips and overtime pay, and inject billions into border security and the military. However, it also proposes massive cuts to social safety net programs, including nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid reductions, making it one of the most contentious bills of Trump’s political career.

A Deeply Divided Senate Vote

Three Republican senators—Susan Collins (Maine), Rand Paul (Kentucky), and Thom Tillis (North Carolina)—voted against the bill, joining all Senate Democrats in opposition. Their concerns centered primarily around the bill’s deep cuts to Medicaid and its potential impact on rural healthcare access.

“My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes,” said Senator Collins.

Senator Paul criticized the bill for ballooning the U.S. national deficit, stating,

“Without question, this bill will grow the deficit.”

Despite these concerns, Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) ultimately supported the bill after Republican leaders inserted special protections for Alaska, softening the Medicaid and SNAP cuts for the state.

Uncertain Future in the House

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where its future remains unclear. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence but acknowledged that the margin for error is slim.

“We need to move this process to a conclusion… and on as quick a timetable as possible,” Johnson said.

But several House Republicans have vowed to oppose the bill, citing concerns over healthcare cuts and additional spending. Rep. David Valadao (California), who represents a district where over 60% rely on Medicaid, has made it clear he won’t support it.

“I will not support a reconciliation bill that makes harmful cuts to Medicaid or puts critical healthcare funding at risk,” Valadao stated.

Rep. Chip Roy (Texas) also voiced his opposition, saying the Senate’s approach to clean energy tax credit phaseouts didn’t go far enough.

Trump’s Pressure and Political Risks

With his tax legacy on the line, Donald Trump is now personally lobbying skeptical Republicans to support the measure. In a social media post, Trump urged his party to stay united and vote in favor, warning against “grandstanding.”

“UNITED, have fun, and Vote ‘YAY’,” Trump wrote.

Still, internal GOP tensions are high, with Senator Tillis even announcing he would not seek re-election after clashing with Trump over the bill’s Medicaid cuts.

“This bill, in its current form, will betray the very promise that Donald J. Trump made,” said Tillis.

Major Economic and Political Implications

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, while stripping healthcare coverage from nearly 11.8 million Americans by 2034. That’s in stark contrast to the earlier House version, which was $900 billion cheaper and included more modest social program cuts.

While Republicans hail the bill as a “legislative pinnacle,” it also poses significant political risks, particularly for GOP lawmakers seeking re-election in swing districts where Medicaid and food assistance programs are vital.

“What do I tell 663,000 people in two or three years, when President Trump breaks his promise by pushing them off Medicaid?” Tillis asked on the Senate floor.

Conclusion

As the House prepares to vote, the Republican tax and budget plan remains a flashpoint of intra-party tension and public debate. While Trump and party leaders view it as a step toward fulfilling long-held conservative promises, critics — including several Republicans — warn of its long-term damage to healthcare access, fiscal stability, and political credibility.

Whether the House can unite behind the plan remains to be seen — but what’s clear is that the road ahead is anything but smooth.