Senate Passes Trump’s Signature Bill, Slashing Taxes and Social Programs Amid Debt Concerns

 

In a razor-thin vote that underscored deep divisions within the GOP, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday approved President Donald Trump’s signature policy bill,  a sweeping measure that would drastically cut taxes and shrink social safety net programs. The vote ended in a 51–50 split, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote after Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), and Rand Paul (Kentucky) defected.

The contentious debate stretched over 24 hours, marked by tense negotiations and last-minute compromises as Republican leaders scrambled to secure support. Despite the legislative victory, the bill’s passage represents a potentially perilous gamble for the party’s future.

Massive Costs and Fiscal Risks

According to an early analysis, the legislation is projected to add at least $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The bill would extend nearly $3.8 trillion in tax cuts originally enacted during Trump’s first term in 2017. These extensions, combined with new federal spending on border security and the military, are expected to significantly reduce federal revenues for decades.

Economists warn that the fiscal shortfall could fundamentally alter the nation’s economic trajectory, increasing the likelihood of a long-term debt crisis. With federal aid programs also facing deep cuts, the financial strain on low-income Americans is expected to be severe.

Implications for the Vulnerable

The bill includes sweeping reductions in federal support for health insurance and other social programs, potentially stripping millions of Americans of crucial safety net protections. Critics argue the legislation will deepen inequality and force vulnerable families into greater hardship, even as it delivers windfalls to the wealthiest earners and corporations.

What’s Next

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill as soon as today. With a slim Republican majority, the bill can afford to lose no more than three GOP votes to pass.

As the political and economic implications unfold, the vote marks a defining moment for the second Trump presidency, and for the conservative movement’s legacy on fiscal governance.