July 1, 2025

US senators were engaged in a lengthy session on Monday to vote on Donald Trump's flagship spending bill, which is expected to increase the national debt by $3 trillion. The bill aims to extend Trump's expiring first-term tax cuts at a cost of $4.5 trillion, boost military spending, and fund mass deportations and border security. However, the bill faces opposition from senators eyeing the 2026 midterm elections, as it includes cuts to social welfare programs and health care. Despite facing public outrage and criticisms, Trump is expected to secure approval in the Senate due to the Republican majority. The bill still needs to pass a separate vote in the House of Representatives, where some Republican members have expressed opposition. Critics argue that the bill would lead to a historic redistribution of wealth and result in millions of Americans losing health insurance coverage. Senate Democrats are focusing on amendments to address these concerns. The bill is widely unpopular among various demographic groups and faces internal opposition from both conservative and moderate Republicans. Elon Musk, a former close aide to Trump, criticized the bill for its excessive spending and pledged to campaign against lawmakers supporting it. The bill's fate remains uncertain as senators continue to debate its provisions.

Read More at Thehindu →

Tags: Us senate, Donald trump, Spending bill, Republicans, Social welfare programs,