The U.S. Senate has begun debating former President Donald Trump’s controversial domestic policy bill, a sprawling 940-page package of tax cuts, immigration enforcement funding, and healthcare spending reductions. Democrats delayed proceedings by requiring clerks to read the entire bill aloud, emphasizing their concerns about its lack of transparency and potential long-term impacts.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) looks on as Senate Republican leaders hold a press conference following their weekly policy lunches on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said in a new analysis, the legislation could add nearly $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, raising alarms among lawmakers and economists alike.
What’s in the “Big Beautiful Bill”?
Dubbed by Trump as his “big beautiful bill,” the legislation combines sweeping tax cuts with increased spending on immigration enforcement and significant reductions in funding for healthcare and nutrition assistance programs like Medicaid and food aid. Republicans argue these measures are necessary to stimulate economic growth, but critics warn that the cuts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
The CBO estimates that if passed, the bill would leave 11.8 million more Americans uninsured by 2034, an increase from the House-passed version’s projection of 10.9 million uninsured individuals. Additionally, the Senate iteration is projected to cost nearly $1 trillion more than the House version, which itself was estimated to add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over ten years.
Debate Highlights and Political Tensions
Formal debate began after Democrats forced Senate clerks to read the lengthy bill aloud—a tactic intended to highlight the complexity and opacity of the legislation. This procedural move also delayed a final vote until Monday, allowing time for amendments to be proposed during what is expected to be a grueling marathon session known as a vote-a-rama.
Political tensions have flared within the Republican Party over the bill’s contents. Some members resist provisions cutting Medicaid and food aid, while others feel the cuts don’t go far enough. These divisions were evident last Saturday when Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, voted against advancing the bill. Tillis faced intense backlash from Trump, who publicly pressured wavering lawmakers via his social media platform, Truth Social. Shortly afterward, Tillis announced he would not seek re-election in 2026, fueling speculation about the political consequences of opposing Trump-backed initiatives.
The Deficit Debate: Dueling Budget Baselines
Republicans are employing unconventional budgetary tactics to push the bill forward. By using an alternative baseline that assumes Trump-era tax cuts set to expire in December have already been extended, they claim the legislation will reduce deficits by approximately $500 billion. However, this approach has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and independent economists, who dismiss it as “magic math” that obscures the true fiscal impact.
Under traditional scoring methods, the CBO confirmed that the $3.3 trillion debt bill violates the Senate’s Byrd Rule, which prohibits legislation from increasing deficits beyond a ten-year window. In a letter to Senator Jeff Merkley, CBO Director Phillip Swagel noted that the finance committee’s portion of the bill—referred to as Title VII —would indeed increase deficits after 2034.
Democrats argue that the GOP’s strategy undermines accountability and risks destabilizing the nation’s fiscal future. Economists echo these concerns, warning that adding trillions to the national debt could exacerbate inflationary pressures and burden future generations.
Trump’s Influence and Partisan Pressure
As the debate unfolds, Trump remains a dominant force behind the scenes. On Sunday evening, he took to Truth Social to urge reluctant Republicans not to “go too crazy” about deficit concerns, reminding them of the electoral consequences of crossing him. His message came just hours after clashing with Senator Tillis, underscoring the high stakes for lawmakers navigating internal party dynamics ahead of the July 4th deadline imposed by Trump for passing the bill.
Despite the president’s influence, fractures within the Republican caucus persist. While some lawmakers support the bill as a means of extending Trump’s legacy, others worry about its long-term implications for public welfare and government finances.
Challenges Ahead: Vote-a-Rama and Final Passage
With the initial procedural hurdle cleared in a narrow 51-49 vote, Senate Republicans now face the daunting task of approving amendments and securing final passage. The upcoming vote-a-rama session promises to be contentious, as both parties introduce proposals aimed at reshaping or derailing the bill.
For Democrats, the goal is to expose flaws in the legislation and rally public opposition. For Republicans, the challenge lies in balancing competing interests within their ranks while addressing growing concerns about the bill’s fiscal impact.
Conclusion
The Senate’s debate on Trump’s $3.3 trillion debt “big beautiful bill” highlights deep ideological divides and underscores the challenges of passing major legislation in a polarized Congress. While Republicans tout the bill as a pathway to economic prosperity, its projected $3.3 trillion price tag and adverse effects on healthcare coverage have sparked widespread criticism.
As lawmakers navigate the complexities of vote-a-rama, the outcome remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the bill’s fate will hinge on delicate negotiations, partisan maneuvering, and the enduring influence of Donald Trump. With the clock ticking toward the July 4th deadline, the stakes couldn’t be higher for America’s fiscal future.
