The US Senate has passed President Donald Trump’s big tax bill after a narrow 50-50 vote, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, aims to deliver on the Republican party’s legislative priority.
However, three Republican senators – Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky – voted against it, citing concerns over Medicaid cuts and food assistance reductions.
Mississippi’s Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker both supported the bill, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune struggled to secure last-minute agreements between conservative and moderate Republicans. The bill now goes back to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson had warned senators not to deviate too far from what his chamber had already approved.
The bill includes significant cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, which could leave millions without access to healthcare. Analysts predict that 11.8 million Americans would become uninsured by 2034 if the bill becomes law. The package also increases the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over the decade.
Despite concerns from some Republicans, Trump acknowledged that the bill is “very complicated stuff” and expressed his desire not to go too crazy with cuts. However, he also threatened to use his executive authority to address potential criticism from billionaire Elon Musk, who has criticized the bill on social media.
The outcome of the vote marks a pivotal moment for President Trump and his party, which have been invested in delivering on their legislative priorities despite opposition from Democrats and some Republicans.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/senate-passes-trumps-medicaid-cuts-snap-cuts-and-tax-breaks-as-vance-breaks-50-50-tie