On Monday, senators commenced the process of proposing amendments to President Donald Trump’s expansive legislative package, following a weekend marked by tense discussions aimed at advancing the president’s domestic agenda for his second term.
The amendment process, known as a “vote-a-rama,” began shortly after 9 a.m. ET, but its duration remains uncertain, with sessions often extending for eight hours or longer.
Senators have the opportunity to submit an unlimited number of amendments to the budget bill, resulting in a series of rapid-fire votes throughout the day.
While many of these amendments are unlikely to secure the necessary 50 votes to be included in the final bill, their primary purpose may be to convey political messages and clarify various senators’ stances on key components of the substantial package.
Democrats are expected to leverage this opportunity to compel Republicans to go on record regarding more contentious aspects of the bill, such as work requirements for Medicaid and the elimination of tax incentives for electric vehicles.
The “vote-a-rama” was meant to commence late Sunday or early Monday, following extensive debates on the comprehensive 940-page package. However, senators opted to push the voting process to Monday morning.
Over the weekend, lawmakers made concerted efforts to ensure Trump’s bill was completed ahead of a self-imposed July 4 deadline set by Republicans.
A significant procedural victory was achieved by Republicans late Saturday, with only two GOP senators—Thom Tillis from North Carolina and Rand Paul from Kentucky—voting against advancing the bill.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota is overseeing a critically slim majority, only able to afford one more dissenting vote beyond Tillis and Paul in the final tally to successfully pass the legislation.
However, even if Thune successfully navigates the bill through the Senate, its future remains uncertain in the House, where revisions by the upper chamber will require approval.
Several House Republicans have already expressed reservations about the modifications made to the “big, beautiful bill” in the Senate.
Meanwhile, House Republican leadership has advised its members to brace for votes on the measure possibly occurring on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to POLITICO reports.
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