The U.S. Senate has passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” putting the legislation one step away from becoming law.
The Senate approved the measure on Tuesday in a 51 to 50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. All Democrats opposed the bill, joined by three Republicans who raised concerns over the bill’s cost and scope. The vote comes just weeks after the House narrowly passed its version of the legislation, 215 to 214, following days of intense negotiations.
The legislation, formally titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” by Trump and Republican leadership, is a massive package of tax, spending, and policy changes that would reshape key parts of the U.S. economy and government. It includes permanent extensions of the Trump-era tax cuts, an expanded child tax credit, and a significant increase in the standard deduction. It also establishes new tax exemptions for tip income and overtime pay.
The proposal includes $350 billion in new border and immigration enforcement funding, including money for expanded wall construction, detention facilities, and deportation operations. The package also slashes green energy tax credits and adds new work requirements for Medicaid and food assistance programs, which Democrats argue would strip millions of Americans of basic support.
Despite those objections, Republicans have celebrated the bill as a signature achievement of Trump’s second term. “This is a promise made and a promise kept,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Daines, calling the bill “the most consequential piece of conservative legislation in a generation.”
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add over $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. But Republicans say the growth unleashed by the tax and regulatory reforms will offset much of the cost.
Before it can reach Trump’s desk, the House must vote again to approve the final Senate version. That vote is expected within days. If approved, Trump has pledged to sign it no later than July 4.
“We’re going to celebrate America’s birthday by giving Americans the freedom, prosperity, and security they deserve,” Trump said earlier this week. “It’s going to be beautiful.”
Some lawmakers, such as Senator Bernie Moreno, have suggested that lawmakers will take up cannabis-related issues such as SAFER Banking and rescheduling once the Big, Beautiful Bill is given final approval.
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