'Big beautiful bill': Donald Trump hails 'great victory' as his spending bill squeezes through Senate for debate
Donald Trump. (AP)
US President Donald Trump on Sunday described the Senate's clearance of a key procedural hurdle for his proposed economic package as a "great victory," setting the stage for formal debate on legislation that includes tax cuts, spending reductions, and increased funding for deportation efforts.
"Tonight we saw a GREAT VICTORY in the Senate with the GREAT, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after the vote. He credited specific Republican senators for their support, including Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Cynthia Lummis.
"They, along with all of the other Republican Patriots who voted for the Bill, are people who truly love our Country! As President of the USA, I am proud of them all, and look forward to working with them to GROW OUR ECONOMY, REDUCE WASTEFUL SPENDING, SECURE OUR BORDER, FIGHT FOR OUR MILITARY/VETS, ENSURE THAT OUR MEDICAID SYSTEM HELPS THOSE WHO TRULY NEED IT, PROTECT OUR SECOND AMENDMENT, AND SO MUCH MORE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA &, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!" he posted.
In a separate post, Trump added, "VERY PROUD OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TONIGHT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!"
The Senate vote on Trump's ambitious bill took place late Saturday night (local time), with lawmakers narrowly passing a motion 51-49 to begin debate on the nearly 940-page bill. Two Republican senators joined all Democrats in opposing the motion. US vice president JD Vance was present in the chamber in case his vote was needed to break a tie.
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The bill, referred to by Trump as his "big, beautiful bill", is part of a broader economic agenda the US president wants enacted before the July 4. It includes provisions for extending tax cuts, slashing federal spending, and allocating more funds for immigration enforcement.
The bill, nearly 940 pages long, was released late Friday night. Debate is expected to continue through the weekend, with multiple amendments and votes ahead.
If the Senate passes the bill, it would return to the House of Representatives for a final vote before reaching Trump's desk at White House.
Republicans, who currently hold a majority in both chambers, are pushing forward despite opposition from Democrats and some within their own party. Some GOP lawmakers have raised concerns about proposed cuts to programs such as Medicaid and food stamps, which are aimed at offsetting the costs of extending tax breaks worth around $3.8 trillion.
Earlier, the White House issued a statement saying it 'strongly supports passage' of the bill, calling it important for achieving the president's goals. 'It's time to get this legislation across the finish line,' said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, a former Trump adviser, criticised the bill. "The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!' Musk said in a post, calling the package "utterly insane and destructive."
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