### 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.
Read next
Labour faces key challenge as voting begins in England, Scotland and Wales
Polling has opened across England, Scotland and Wales in a series of local, mayoral and parliamentary contests – the biggest electoral test Keir Starmer and the Labour government have faced since the 2024 general election.
As millions of people across Great Britain go to the polls on Thursday, party leaders are
Andy Burnham's Green Party Appearance Fuels Labour Backlash
Andy Burnham’s choice to join a progressive rally featuring leading Green and Liberal Democrat figures has provoked criticism from certain Labour MPs, who claim he is weakening their local election message.
The Greater Manchester mayor, regarded as one of the leading contenders to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour
Scottish mother stranded abroad after newborn breaches UK dual citizenship rules
A British woman from Aberdeen has been stranded abroad after her 11‑month‑old baby was prevented from boarding a flight because of new rules regarding dual nationals.
Sarah Schloegl was refused board on a Ryanair flight from Alicante last week after she went to Spain for a short break