In a final effort to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill,” U.S. Senators faced a long night of voting that extended from Monday into Tuesday morning.
The Senators were forced to debate a series of amendments to the large bill, including:
- Proposed energy and health care provisions – which caused a party split over cuts to social safety-net programs.
Clean energy tax credits – remaining from the Biden Administration. - The overall cost of the bill – $3.3 trillion to the deficit over a decade.
Additionally, the Senate package includes a $5 trillion boost to the debt ceiling, exceeding the $4 trillion increase in the House-passed package.
In a blow to tech companies, one change to artificial intelligence law gained wide bipartisan support. Senators voted 99-1 to remove a provision that would have blocked US states from regulating AI.
Right now, there are eight key Republican holdouts, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune can only lose three senators and still pass the bill. Two senators, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have already said they’re firmly against it, leaving little room for error as Thune tries to secure the 50 votes needed.
“The Republicans are still in disarray,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters.
Speaking from the White House this morning, Trump stated, “I think we’re going to get there. It’s tough. We’re trying to bring it down, bring it down so it’s really good for the country.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Senate would approve the legislation by Tuesday afternoon.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
