### Senate Republicans Approve Major Policy Bill
A closely contested vote in the Senate last night resulted in the passage of a significant tax and spending proposal, which now moves to the House for further consideration. The legislation was approved with a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after three Republicans—Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky—joined all 47 Democrats in opposing the measure.
The lengthy debate leading up to the vote centered on concerns about the financial impact of the bill, which is projected to increase the federal deficit by $5 trillion, as well as its potential effects on the healthcare system.
The House, where Republicans hold a narrow 220-212 majority, is expected to vote on the bill in the coming days. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated in an interview that Republican leaders aim to advance the legislation through the Rules Committee shortly, with a full House vote possible before the upcoming holiday, barring disruptions from weather-related delays.
“If all goes according to plan, we should vote on this by Thursday at the latest,” Johnson said. “Of course, travel and weather could still play a role.”
The former president expressed strong support for the bill at a recent event in Florida, stating, “It’s a strong proposal with broad appeal, and I believe it will do well in the House.” Reports indicate that he has been actively encouraging House Republicans to approve it.
Further complicating the discussion, a prominent business figure criticized the bill as “unreasonable,” prompting a heated response from the former president, who suggested retaliatory measures.
In other developments:
- The former president announced on social media that Israel has agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the terms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington next month.
- During a visit to a newly constructed detention facility in Florida, the former president praised its strict conditions. State officials have indicated that detainees could be transferred there imminently. He also revisited the idea of reopening Alcatraz prison, which has been closed since the 1960s.
- Military aid shipments to Ukraine have been paused, according to recent reports.
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