President Trump’s first-year legislative agenda teetered on the brink as the Senate commenced voting on his contentious tax-and-spending bill yesterday. With Independence Day approaching, Trump is exerting pressure on Congress to ensure the bill's passage by Friday, although the outlook remains uncertain.
Four Republican senators breaking ranks could thwart the legislation, with at least two already declaring their intentions to vote against it, while half a dozen remain undecided. Notably, the bill faces heavy criticism for its proposed cuts to essential medical and Social Security benefits, sparking considerable unease among some Republican lawmakers alongside staunch opposition from Democrats.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add over $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The ambitious plan includes substantial investments in border security and military enhancements, paired with significant tax reductions and slashes to safety-net programs such as Medicaid and food assistance.
Should the Senate approve the measure, it would subsequently advance to the House of Representatives before reaching the president's desk for final approval to become law.
