The U.S. Senate on Thursday debated a Republican bill advancing Donald Trump’s priorities on immigration, energy, and defense, despite his call to scrap it in favor of a House bill that includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.
Trump backs the House Republicans’ plan for a sweeping bill, fearing an immigration-first approach could weaken tax cut chances in the narrowly divided House (218-215 GOP majority). Senate Republicans, however, are pressing forward with their narrower plan, planning to address tax cuts later.
Democrats, though unable to block the bill, are fighting it, accusing Republicans of favoring the wealthy. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer vowed an all-night debate, introducing an amendment to bar tax cuts for billionaires—Republicans rejected it. Senator Tim Kaine proposed over two dozen amendments on middle-class tax cuts, federal worker protections, and social safety net programs.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the need for border security and military funding, arguing spending hikes would be balanced by $342 billion in cuts elsewhere.
In a “vote-a-rama” process, amendments can be proposed indefinitely unless both parties agree to stop. With a 53-47 Senate advantage, Republicans are expected to block Democratic amendments.
Congress must pass the same budget resolution to use a parliamentary tool to bypass Democratic opposition. The Senate’s $340 billion budget resolution boosts annual spending by $85 billion over four years for immigration enforcement, energy deregulation, and military expansion.
The House bill includes those priorities plus tax cuts, offset by $2 trillion in spending cuts and projected economic growth. If House Republicans fail to agree on funding, the Senate bill may serve as a backup.
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