Senate Republicans prepare to revise Trump’s megabill amid tight votes

House Republicans managed to push through President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda in May with the passage of his “big, beautiful bill.” The bill was filled with negotiations and compromises on contentious policy issues that barely squeaked by in the lower chamber. Now, Senate Republicans are gearing up to take on the colossal package, with potential changes that could prove challenging for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who can only afford to lose three votes.

The late-night drama that unfolded in the House resulting in a narrow victory for Trump’s tax bill highlighted the high stakes involved in getting the legislation across the finish line. With Trump throwing his support behind the bill, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., faces a similar challenge as Johnson in rallying support from Senate Republicans who are eager to leave their mark on the legislation.

While many Senate Republicans are in favor of the tax provisions in the bill, some have expressed reservations about the level of spending cuts included in the package. The House set a target of $1.5 trillion in spending reductions over the next decade, but some senators are pushing for a higher figure, citing concerns about the ballooning deficit.

Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., expressed support for the bill but emphasized the need to focus on cutting spending across the board rather than targeting specific areas. Meanwhile, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., has been a vocal critic of the bill, advocating for a return to pre-pandemic spending levels to address the growing national debt.

One major point of contention among Senate Republicans is the proposed cuts to Medicaid, with some senators warning against reductions in benefits that could harm their constituents. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., called cutting Medicaid benefits “morally wrong and politically suicidal,” while Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, raised concerns about the impact on rural hospitals in her state.

As the Senate prepares to take up Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” the pressure is on for Republicans to navigate the delicate balance between advancing the president’s agenda and addressing the concerns of their constituents. The fate of the legislation hangs in the balance as Senate Republicans work to shape the final version of the bill before it reaches the president’s desk.