The Senate is more than 13 hours into a vote-a-rama on the massive GOP policy legislation dubbed the “big, beautiful bill,” and votes seem to be moving slightly faster after proceeding glacially for much of the day.
Republican leaders were forced to stall as they awaited critical rulings from the parliamentarian. At the same time, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) was working nail down the support of several Republican senators, including at least two moderates and three conservatives, who haven’t yet said they will vote for final passage.
Late Monday, a group of conservatives huddled with Thune as it became clear an amendment they were pushing to further reduce Medicaid spending did not have the votes to pass.
On the Senate floor, Democrats are trying to change the mammoth bill that champions President Trump’s agenda — or at least force Republicans to take tough votes.
Republicans can lose a maximum of three votes, and Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) are already expected to vote “no” over their opposition to proposed Medicaid cuts and the inclusion of a $5 trillion debt ceiling hike, respectively.
The House will return midweek to vote on the bill.
Catch up on the day’s action:
- Senate Republican : ‘I would retire, too, if I voted against’ GOP megabill
- Graham claims sole authority to decide if GOP megabill complies with budget laws
- Fetterman grumbles over marathon vote-a-rama: ‘I just want to go home
Follow along on these events and more here today.
