The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, dramatically passed the U.S. Senate on July 1.With the Senate evenly split, Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tiebreaking vote to secure passage. The bill, encompassing Trump’s tax cut extensions, enhanced border security, and social welfare reductions, raises concerns about imminent cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, significantly impacting low-income communities.

The Senate vote followed an extraordinary three-day marathon of procedural votes, formal debates, and a “Vote-a-Rama” on amendments, starting after a procedural vote passed on June 28. The final tally was 50-50, with the vice president, who also serves as Senate president, casting the deciding vote in favor. This brings Trump closer to his goal of signing the bill into law before Independence Day on July 4.Despite Republicans holding 53 Senate seats, three senators—Susan Collins (Maine), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), and Rand Paul (Kentucky)—broke party lines to vote against the bill.

Meanwhile, Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), previously undecided, switched to support the bill after negotiations with Republican leadership secured amendments benefiting Alaska, ultimately aiding its passage.The bill extends the 2017 tax cuts, exempts tips and overtime pay from taxes, allocates $17.5 billion for a border wall, and provides $15 billion for defense spending. To offset fiscal costs, it includes controversial measures like Medicaid and food stamp (SNAP) cuts, the elimination of clean energy tax credits, and the end of electric vehicle subsidies.

The reduction in support for low-income and vulnerable populations has heightened alarm. Estimates suggest Medicaid reforms (Medi-Cal in California) could strip health insurance from up to 11 million people. Stricter food stamp eligibility may leave millions of households without grocery assistance.Experts warn, “The most vulnerable, who rely on healthcare and food assistance, will face direct harm,” adding that “community safety nets could collapse.” Democrats and some moderate Republicans opposed the bill, citing risks to rural hospitals, nursing homes, and malnutrition among low-income children, but they couldn’t block the vote.

The Medicaid overhaul was the most contentious issue. The bill expands work requirements to include parents with children and reduces provider taxes, impacting local hospitals. A compromise added a $50 billion rural hospital fund starting in 2026 for five years, but Democrats unanimously voted against the bill, and some Republicans also opposed it due to welfare cut concerns.The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill could add over $3 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade, fueling debates over fiscal responsibility. Democrats argue it “deepens inequality and poverty,” while fiscal hawks within the Republican Party also criticize the deficit increase.

If the House passes the bill without amendments, it will head to Trump’s desk for immediate enactment. However, with only an eight-seat Republican majority in the House, hardline defections could complicate passage. Trump urged House Republicans to “unite” on his social media platform Truth Social, warning that only unity will “complete this victory.” The House vote is scheduled for July 2, with Republican leadership vowing to deliver the bill to Trump’s desk by July 4.

By Sehee Roh, Reporter