Did the Senate Pass the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’? Latest Updates & What’s Next

WASHINGTON — As dawn broke over Capitol Hill on July 1, the U.S. Senate was still locked in a round-the-clock “vote-a-rama,” slogging through hundreds of amendments to President Donald Trump’s 940-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Despite a weekend procedural win that allowed debate to begin, the chamber has not yet taken the decisive roll-call that would send the massive tax-and-spending package to the president’s desk. What that means right now • No final passage: As of 5 a.m. ET, floor staff confirm the bill remains in amendment queue; a final up-or-down vote is expected later today or early Wednesday. • Slim GOP margin: Republicans can lose only one vote; moderates Susan Collins (ME) and Thom Tillis (NC) remain undecided after blasting Medicaid cuts. • House clock is ticking: If altered, the bill must ping-pong back to the House, which passed its version 215-214 on May 22. Trump’s self-imposed deadline is July 4. Why this bill matters Nicknamed the “big, beautiful bill” by the president, the legislation would • lock in $4.5 trillion in permanent tax cuts, including a larger child credit and the 37 percent top individual rate; • roll back most Inflation Reduction Act clean-energy incentives; • impose $1.2 trillion in Medicaid and SNAP savings with new work rules; • pour $350 billion into border security and defense expansion. Key flashpoints stalling the vote 1. Rural hospital fund: Collins’ proposal to soften Medicaid cuts in hard-hit counties failed by two votes, hardening her stance. 2. AI regulation ban: A bipartisan amendment just stripped a 10-year moratorium that tech firms favored, angering industry allies. 3. Elon Musk factor: The billionaire threatened to bankroll primary challengers against GOP supporters, rattling fence-sitters. The whip count at sunrise • FOR: 49 Republicans, 0 Democrats • AGAINST/LEAN NO: 2 Republicans (Tillis, Paul), 48 Democrats/Independents • UNDECLARED: 1 Republican (Collins) What happens if the Senate passes it today? 1. Reconciliation rules limit debate in the House to two hours, setting up a same-day vote. 2. Trump would sign immediately, touting a pre-Independence Day win. 3. Litigation is inevitable; progressives vow to sue over Medicaid provisions and climate rollbacks. Searching for the bottom line? The Senate has not yet passed the Big Beautiful Bill—but the decisive vote could come within hours. Keep refreshing for real-time tallies as America’s most sweeping budget overhaul in decades hangs in the balance.