GOP senators release Trump bill, facing resistance from both chambers

Senate Republicans have finally unveiled their version of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” but its fate remains uncertain. The bill, which was revealed by Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, is a massive package that includes components from 10 Senate committees. This bill is the result of a month-long effort to modify the House GOP’s version of the legislation.

The next step for the bill is to pass a procedural hurdle in order to begin the countdown to final passage. The timing of this step is still unknown, with Senate Republicans initially hoping for a vote as early as noon on Saturday. However, challenges may arise as Senate Republicans attempt to make changes to the bill, which could potentially derail Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s timeline to deliver the bill to Trump by the July 4 deadline.

One major obstacle facing the bill is the Senate parliamentarian’s ruling that several GOP-authored provisions do not comply with Senate rules, particularly the Byrd Rule, which governs the budget reconciliation process. This setback has forced lawmakers to revisit several policy tweaks, including changes to the Medicaid provider tax rate and cost-sharing for food benefits.

Despite these challenges, Thune remains determined to push the bill forward and deliver it to Trump on time. Lawmakers will need to navigate a series of procedures, including a vote on the bill and a debate period, before a final vote can take place. If successful, the bill will then return to the House for further consideration.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emphasized the importance of passing the bill on time, highlighting the need for tax certainty in the current economic climate. With the fate of the bill hanging in the balance, lawmakers will need to work together to address concerns and ensure its successful passage.

In conclusion, the road ahead for Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” is fraught with challenges, but Senate Republicans are committed to seeing it through. The coming days will be crucial as lawmakers work to finalize the legislation and deliver it to the president’s desk.