WASHINGTON: The U.S. Senate, controlled by the Republican Party, has passed President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill by a narrow margin of just one vote.
According to international news agencies, the approval of this bill gives legal backing to several of Trump’s key domestic policies, although it is expected to add an additional $3.3 trillion to the national debt.
The bill was passed with 51 votes in favor and 50 against, with the decisive vote cast by Vice President J.D. Vance. However, three Republican senators — Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul — broke ranks with their party and voted against the bill, joining all 47 Democratic senators in opposition.
Under this legislation, the tax cuts introduced by Trump in 2017 will be extended.
New tax relief will be provided on tips and overtime income. There will also be increases in military spending and funding for immigration enforcement agencies. Conversely, cuts will be made to healthcare and food assistance programs for low-income individuals.
The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for final approval. However, internal disagreements within the Republican Party over the Senate’s amendments could pose challenges to its passage.
President Trump is pushing for the bill to become law before July 4, America’s Independence Day. House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that he will strive to meet this deadline.
