The Senate passed the “big, beautiful bill” in a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
In a dramatic and closely watched session, the U.S. Senate has officially passed President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated “big, beautiful bill,” marking a pivotal moment in his second-term legislative agenda. The bill, a sweeping package of tax cuts, spending increases, and major policy reforms, cleared the Senate by the narrowest of margins after days of marathon debate and last-minute negotiations. The question on everyone’s mind: which senators voted for the big beautiful bill, and what does this mean for its path forward?
Key Point Summary
- The Senate passed the “big, beautiful bill” in a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
- All Democrats and three Republicans—Thom Tillis (NC), Rand Paul (KY), and Susan Collins (ME)—voted against the bill.
- The legislation now faces a challenging road in the House, where GOP divisions persist.
The Big Beautiful Bill: What’s at Stake?
The “big, beautiful bill” represents the core of President Trump’s domestic policy ambitions for his second term. It includes trillions in tax cuts, expanded funding for border security and defense, and significant reductions to Medicaid and federal nutrition programs. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will increase the federal deficit by at least $3.3 trillion over the next decade, a figure that has stirred controversy among both fiscal conservatives and moderates.
Which Senators Voted for the Big Beautiful Bill?
After a marathon “vote-a-rama” that stretched over 24 hours, the Senate’s final vote on the big beautiful bill was razor-thin. Here’s how the vote broke down:
| Senator Party | Voted For | Voted Against |
|---|---|---|
| Republicans | 48 | 3 |
| Democrats | 0 | 49 |
| Vice President | 1 (Vance, tie-breaker) | – |
- Thom Tillis (North Carolina)
- Rand Paul (Kentucky)
- Susan Collins (Maine)
All other Republican senators voted in favor. Every Democratic senator voted against the bill, making Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote essential for passage.
The Final Hours: How the Vote Unfolded
The lead-up to the vote was marked by intense negotiations and high drama. Senate Majority Leader John Thune worked through the night to secure the necessary votes, focusing especially on holdouts like Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Murkowski’s concerns centered on Medicaid and food assistance cuts affecting her state, prompting GOP leaders to offer last-minute reassurances.
As the hours ticked by, several amendments were debated, including a high-profile provision on artificial intelligence regulation, which was overwhelmingly removed after bipartisan objection. By the time the final votes were cast, only Tillis, Paul, and Collins had broken with their party, citing concerns over the bill’s impact on the deficit, healthcare, and social safety nets.
Social Media and Public Reaction
The vote quickly became a trending topic across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Truth Social. President Trump took to social media to celebrate the victory and to warn Senator Tillis of a potential primary challenge in 2026, signaling the political stakes for Republicans who opposed the bill.
On Instagram, senators who supported the bill posted celebratory photos from the Senate floor, while progressive activists and Democratic senators used the moment to rally opposition, highlighting the bill’s cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs.
What’s Next for the Big Beautiful Bill?
While the Senate’s passage is a major win for President Trump and GOP leadership, the bill’s future remains uncertain. The House of Representatives must now reconcile its own version with the Senate’s amendments—a process complicated by deep divisions within the Republican caucus. Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose only three GOP votes if he hopes to pass the bill along party lines.
Fiscal conservatives in the House are alarmed by the projected increase in the national debt, while moderates are uneasy about the deep cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance. With the July 4 deadline looming, the coming days will determine whether the “big, beautiful bill” becomes law or stalls in the face of intraparty resistance.
Key Takeaways
- The “big, beautiful bill” passed the Senate by a single vote, with Vice President Vance breaking the tie.
- Only three Republican senators—Tillis, Paul, and Collins—voted against the bill, joining all Democrats in opposition.
- The measure now faces a challenging path in the House, where GOP unity is far from assured.
As the nation watches, the fate of the big beautiful bill will hinge on whether House Republicans can bridge their differences and deliver President Trump’s signature legislation before the Independence Day deadline.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and analysis as this historic legislative battle continues to unfold.