President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill cleared a crucial Senate vote on June 29, 2025, advancing his sweeping tax and spending plan. With a July 4 deadline looming, the 940-page megabill is stirring heated debate and division. Here’s the latest on what’s in it, the drama behind it, and what’s next for this game-changing legislation.
Senate Vote Marks Major Step
Late Saturday night, Senate Republicans pushed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act through a 51-49 procedural vote, kicking off hours of debate in a marathon session. The bill, a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, narrowly survived thanks to last-minute concessions to holdouts like Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee.
Trump posted, calling it a “GREAT VICTORY” and praising key senators. The vibe online was electric—some cheered the bill’s bold promises, while others worried about its cuts. The Senate now faces a grueling vote-a-rama, with Democrats forcing a full reading of the 940-page text, a process that could drag into Sunday night.
Whats in the Big Beautiful Bill?
The bill extends Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, adding new perks like no taxes on tips or overtime and a permanent standard deduction increase to $6,000 for seniors through 2028. It also pumps $12.5 billion into modernizing air traffic control systems, a move airlines like A4A applaud for upgrading “floppy disk” tech handling 27,000 daily flights.
But it’s not all rosy—major cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps) aim to offset costs, sparking backlash. For example, a single mom in West Virginia told reporters her family’s food budget barely lasts a month, and SNAP cuts could leave them scrambling. New work requirements for childless adults on Medicaid, starting December 2026, add fuel to the fire.
Drama and Division in Congress
The bills path has been rocky. The House passed it by a single vote in May, and the Senate’s version faced fierce pushback. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough stripped out provisions like gun tax cuts and Medicaid tweaks, angering Republicans like Tommy Tuberville, who called for her firing.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine is still demanding changes, threatening to tank the final vote. I spoke with a D.C. friend who works on the Hill—she said the late-night arm-twisting was intense, with Trump personally calling senators. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are stalling by forcing the bill’s full reading, hoping to rally public opposition.
High income earners stand to gain the most from tax breaks
Trump claims the bill will slash deficits by $2 trillion and lower grocery prices, though experts like Matthew Fiedler at Brookings question the math, estimating Medicaid cuts alone could save $200-$300 billion over a decade but hit vulnerable families hard.
High-income earners stand to gain the most from tax breaks, while states may face tough choices to fund SNAP or cut benefits. I saw a post from a nurse in North Carolina worried her patients will lose coverage if Medicaid shrinks—it’s a real fear for millions. The bill must pass both chambers in identical form before reaching Trump’s desk, and House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the July 4 recess could be delayed.