US Senate, controlled by Republicans, approved the sweeping bill on tax exemptions and cost cuts promoted by the President Donald Trumpafter an exhaustive discussion on a number of amendments.
The “Big and Nice” bill, as Donald Trump calls it, was approved by a marginal majority (51 in favor, compared to 50 v.)after needed The decisive vote of US Vice President J. D. Vance in order to “break” the tie.
The bill will now return to the House of Representatives in order for the revised version to obtain the approval of this body before July 4, a symbolic date set by the president himself, as he coincides with the US National Feast on the Day of Independence. He will then be promoted to the White House to be signed by Trump.
The proposed cuts can hurt Medicaid, the state healthcare program for the needy and the elderly, as well as the food aid programs for the poorest and the disabled. At the same time, it is estimated that debt will increase by $ 3.3 trillion.
Republicans have a three -seater majority in the Senate, but three of them voted against the bill, as did all Democrats. The tie was called upon to resolve Vice President Vance with his vote.
The fate of the bill in the House of Representatives is also expected to be marginally judged, as Republicans have a majority of eight seats (220-212). The original version of the bill passed in May with just two votes difference, and many Republican MPs say they do not support the changes made by the Senate.
A House Freedom Caucus team, which has repeatedly threatened not to support the tax bill, calls for greater cuts than the Senate approved. “The Senate version adds $ 651 billion to the deficit – and this, without the interest rate, which almost doubles the whole. This is not budgetary responsibility. We did not agree on it, “this team said Monday.
More moderate Republicans, especially those representing poorer areas, oppose Medicaid cuts. “I will not support a law that eliminates vital funding for our hospitals,” said David Valadao of California last weekend.