GOP Pushes Trump’s $3.3T Tax and Spending Bill Amid Debt Concerns

U.S. Senate Republicans are scrambling to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping $3.3 trillion tax-cut and spending bill, despite deep internal divisions over its impact on the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt. In a high-stakes “vote-a-rama,” lawmakers debated amendments well into Monday night, aiming to bypass the usual 60-vote threshold using budget reconciliation rules.

The bill—extending 2017 tax cuts, increasing military and border spending, and slashing Medicaid and clean energy funding—faces strong opposition from Democrats and fiscal conservatives. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Senate version adds $800 billion more in debt than the House-passed bill, triggering warnings from global bond investors.

Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, argue the bill boosts small businesses and economic growth. However, GOP Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis oppose the measure, citing unsustainable spending and social program cuts. The bill includes a controversial $5 trillion debt ceiling hike, $1 trillion higher than the House version.

Democrats slammed the bill’s Medicaid cuts and restrictions on reproductive and gender-related healthcare. All proposed Democratic amendments have so far been rejected. Senator Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of favoring billionaires over working families, while Elon Musk criticized the bill’s hypocrisy and hinted at forming a new political party.

If passed, the bill could lead to 11.8 million more uninsured Americans, according to the CBO. The legislation now faces uncertainty in the House, where members are also split over its cost and policy priorities. Despite criticisms, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the bill, while small business advocates warn benefits are skewed toward the top 5%.

Senate Republicans are using an alternative budget calculation method that omits key cost extensions, which outside experts say is misleading.