Senate votes on amendments to Trump’s big bill ahead of July 4 deadline

AP:
The US Senate on Monday launched an intense push to finalize President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax breaks and spending cuts package, with Republicans facing internal divisions and protests ahead of Trump’s July 4 deadline to pass the bill.

Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the 940-page legislation has become the central priority for both the White House and Republican-controlled Congress, though many proposed amendments—mostly from Democrats—are expected to fail in what’s called a vote-a-rama session, as reported by AP.

After a weekend of delays, senators gathered Monday for what is likely to be a marathon of votes and negotiations. Behind the scenes, lawmakers relaxed with card games, cigars, and pizza while waiting for progress on the bill, which includes significant tax breaks, spending cuts, and an increase to the debt ceiling by \$5 trillion.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there is still hope to wrap up votes by midnight, though late Monday that timeline was uncertain. “It’s time to vote,” Thune later declared on the Senate floor, pushing back against Democratic criticism that the package harms working families, noting similar welfare reforms were enacted under former President Bill Clinton.

Musk, protests and political fallout

Amid the legislative scramble, billionaire Elon Musk fiercely criticized Republicans for backing the bill, calling the GOP the “PORKY PIG PARTY!!” and pledging to help primary members who support it.

Musk confirmed on X his support for Rep. Thomas Massie, who voted against the measure, even as Trump allies prepared a super PAC to target Massie in upcoming elections. Musk had previously donated \$250 million to Trump’s campaign but recently said he would spend “a lot less” on politics.

Meanwhile, protests erupted at the Capitol. Police arrested 38 people from the group Repairers of the Breach, who were charged with crowding and obstructing.

Some GOP senators remained cautious about criticizing Musk. “We should be thankful for the work that he did,” Sen. Jim Justice said, while acknowledging Musk’s “real ego.”
Democrats target GOP bill, Trump’s crypto interests

Democrats introduced amendments to block tax breaks for the wealthy and cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, and rural hospitals, though Republicans rejected most measures. Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski broke ranks on amendments to protect rural hospitals and food stamp programs.

Another Democratic amendment aimed to ban Trump and his family from profiting off cryptocurrency ventures, but Republicans dismissed the proposal. GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis argued such measures would stifle innovation.

Trump’s cabinet, immigration and foreign policy moves

President Trump directed his cabinet to review US sanctions on Cuba, with a focus on tightening restrictions within 30 days, particularly on remittances and tourism.

Trump also plans to visit a new migrant detention center in Florida’s Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Rep. Byron Donalds. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said the facility is ready for operation and is effectively escape-proof due to the surrounding wetlands and wildlife.

Separately, Trump signed off on a \$510 million arms sale to Israel, including 7,000 bomb guidance kits, reaffirming US support for Israeli defense. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House next week as part of ongoing talks about a ceasefire in Gaza.

Further legal, economic and political developments

The Trump administration is also facing legal battles over its use of the Alien Enemies Act against Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. The case is pending before the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and may reach the Supreme Court.

In domestic policy, Trump is preparing to impose new tariff rates on several countries, including Japan, after the July 9 expiration of a tariff pause.

The Senate is expected to continue the amendment process late into the night, with final votes on the bill possible before July 4, fulfilling Trump’s self-imposed deadline.