Trump Administration Live Updates: Republicans Scrounge for Votes to Open Senate Debate on Policy Bill
Date: June 28, 2025 | By: ByteNews Politics Desk
Washington, D.C. — In a critical weekend for the Trump administration and congressional Republicans, party leaders are working intensely to gather enough support to open debate on a wide-ranging policy bill dubbed by Trump as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” The proposed legislation combines spending cuts, tax reform, and changes to entitlement programs in what could become the most consequential legislative package of Trump's third term.
The bill’s fate hinges on a procedural vote that Republicans must win to begin debate in the Senate. With the GOP holding 53 seats, losing more than two votes could halt the measure unless Vice President J.D. Vance steps in to break a 50-50 tie.
Key GOP Holdouts Threaten Vote
Republican Senators Thom Tillis (NC), Rand Paul (KY), and Ron Johnson (WI) have expressed serious concerns. Tillis cited the deep cuts to Medicaid as a “deal-breaker,” while Paul and Johnson criticized the projected $3.4 trillion deficit increase over 10 years.
Senator Susan Collins (ME) and Josh Hawley (MO), who were previously undecided, now say they will support advancing the bill to debate but may oppose the final version unless key provisions are revised.
Trump Applies Pressure
Former President Donald Trump has made the passage of the bill a personal mission, declaring on Truth Social that “any Republican who blocks this is betraying America.” He’s demanding Senate approval before the July 4th recess.
“This is about saving our country,” Trump wrote. “We need bold solutions, and this bill delivers what the American people asked for: border security, lower taxes, and less waste.”
Inside the Bill: What’s at Stake
- Medicaid Cuts: A projected $700 billion reduction over 10 years.
- Tax Reform: Permanent extension of 2020 Trump tax cuts for corporations and high earners.
- Border Security: $25 billion allocated for southern border infrastructure.
- SNAP Program: Eligibility tightened, estimated to reduce recipients by 4 million.
The bill spans 940 pages and touches nearly every aspect of domestic policy. Democrats have labeled it “a slash-and-burn approach” to social safety nets, while Trump-aligned Republicans call it a “restoration of fiscal sanity.”
Democrats Prepare for Procedural Fight
Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have vowed to slow the process by any means necessary. Tactics include demanding the full text be read aloud and proposing a barrage of amendments.
“This bill is extreme, reckless, and harmful to working families,” Schumer said. “We won’t allow it to pass quietly in the dark.”
What Happens If the Vote Fails?
If Republicans fail to secure the votes, the bill will stall and may not return to the floor this session. Such a failure could undermine Trump’s legislative agenda and embarrass Senate GOP leadership heading into the summer recess.
Some political analysts suggest that failure to proceed could fracture GOP unity and energize primary challenges against dissenting senators. Trump’s allies are already warning of “consequences at the ballot box.”
Live Vote Tally Watch
As of Saturday afternoon, the following GOP Senators remain undecided:
- Sen. Ron Johnson – Leaning No
- Sen. Rand Paul – Undecided
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski – Silent
- Sen. Mike Lee – Awaiting CBO estimate
Vice President Vance is on standby to cast the tie-breaking vote if necessary, a move that would mark his most significant intervention yet as presiding officer of the Senate.
Conclusion
The next 24 hours are pivotal for the Trump administration’s economic vision. With pressure mounting and opposition both inside and outside the party, the outcome of this Senate vote will shape the political landscape heading into the fall of 2025.
Stay tuned for live updates as developments unfold.