The U.S. Senate was locked in a marathon session on Monday as lawmakers grappled with President Donald Trump’s ambitious $3 trillion spending bill. The controversial package aims to extend expiring tax cuts, boost military spending, and fund mass deportations and border security efforts.
The bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by Trump, has faced significant opposition due to proposed cuts to social welfare programs. Critics argue that it would slash around $1 trillion from subsidized health care for millions of the nation’s poorest citizens and add more than $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
Despite holding a slim majority, Republican senators are divided. Some are concerned about the soaring deficits, while others worry about the impact on vulnerable Americans. All Democratic senators are expected to vote against the bill.
The legislative process hit a slow pace as senators sifted through dozens of amendments during the lengthy “vote-a-rama” session. Only 14 votes were completed in the first seven hours, highlighting the deep divisions within the chamber.
The bill’s passage in the Senate is just the first hurdle. In the House of Representatives, where Republicans also hold a narrow majority, several members have threatened to oppose the legislation. Ultra-conservative lawmakers argue that the bill does not cut enough spending, while moderates are concerned about the proposed defunding of Medicaid.
Polls indicate the bill is among the most unpopular ever considered, garnering disapproval across various demographic, age, and income groups. Independent analyses suggest that cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act could result in nearly 12 million more uninsured people by 2034.
Adding to the controversy, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk publicly criticized the bill. The former close Trump aide, who had a falling out with the president earlier this month, took to his platform X to voice his concerns. “It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country,” Musk wrote.
Experts warn that the bill could have far-reaching consequences. “The difficult passage of the bill and the divisions it caused highlight severe internal polarization in the U.S.,” said Diao Daming, a professor at the School of International Studies at Renmin University, in an interview. “It reflects a serious lack of consensus on key national development directions.”
Diao noted that the bill could exacerbate social inequality and increase the federal government’s burden. “This may pose greater risks and uncertainties for the U.S. economy,” he added.
A House vote on the Senate bill could come as early as Wednesday. As debates continue, the nation watches to see if lawmakers can bridge their divides to pass the significant legislation.
