In a rare Saturday night session, the Senate voted 51-49 to advance President Trump’s sweeping budget reconciliation bill, a major procedural win for Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
The bill includes key Trump campaign promises on immigration, energy, defense, and taxes—most notably extending the 2017 tax cuts and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime.
Vice President JD Vance played a key negotiating role to secure GOP support, although his vote wasn’t ultimately needed. Two Republicans—Sens. Thom Tillis and Rand Paul—voted no, while others like Sen. Ron Johnson switched to yes after last-minute talks.
The path to final passage remains tough, with amendment votes expected to begin late Monday. If passed by July 4, Trump could score a major political win just in time for a patriotic bill signing celebration.