Senate Debates Trump’s Sweeping Legislative Proposal
Good morning, and welcome to CuriosityNews’ live coverage of U.S. politics. Senators are set to begin voting on a series of amendments to Donald Trump’s wide-ranging legislative proposal starting at 9 a.m. EDT.
Yesterday, Republican senators advanced Trump’s extensive tax and spending plan during a lengthy weekend session. However, a nonpartisan analysis indicates the proposal could increase the national debt by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next decade.
The Congressional Budget Office’s assessment suggests the bill’s impact on the $36.2 trillion federal debt would be roughly $800 billion higher than the version previously approved by the House of Representatives.
"The Senate has never before used misleading calculations and financial tricks to conceal the real cost of legislation," said Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as discussions commenced Sunday.
The Senate narrowly moved forward with the bill, which addresses taxation, immigration, border policy, and military expenditures, in a procedural vote late Saturday. The final tally was 51-49 to begin debate on the 940-page proposal.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, one of two Republicans who voted against advancing the bill, defended his stance, arguing that White House advisors had not adequately informed Trump about the proposed reductions to Medicaid funding.
"What do I say to 663,000 people in two or three years when President Trump’s promise collapses because Medicaid funding no longer exists?" Tillis asked, referencing his constituents.
Tillis later announced he would not seek re-election next year after Trump threatened to support a primary challenger in retaliation for Tillis’ vote against the bill.
Trump celebrated Tillis’ decision on Truth Social, calling it "Great News!" He also cautioned other Republicans hesitant about the legislation: "REMEMBER, you still have to get reelected. Don’t go too crazy!"
Tillis’ seat is among the few Republican-held Senate positions considered at risk in next year’s midterm elections.
In other developments:
Donald Trump stated he is not engaging in discussions with Iran and is not providing the country with any concessions. He claimed the U.S. had "completely destroyed" Iran’s nuclear facilities in strikes earlier this month. His remarks followed reports that his administration had explored aiding Iran in accessing up to $30 billion for a civilian nuclear energy program.
According to a U.S. senator, the University of Virginia received a direct warning from the Trump administration that the institution could face reductions in employment, research funding, student assistance, and visas unless its president, Jim Ryan, stepped down. In a CBS interview, Virginia Democrat Mark Warner supported Ryan, who has advocated for withdrawing investments from fossil fuels.
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