The Senate voted to advance President Trump’s 940-page domestic package late Saturday in a 51-49 vote. This led to a full reading of the bill, and a vote-a-rama that is taking place right now (Monday).
Key Provisions: The bill would make Trump-era tax cuts permanent, add new tax exemptions (e.g., tips), and allocate $350B for national security and mass deportation efforts. The bill proposes deep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and green energy, sparking GOP infighting. The Congressional Budget Office projects it will leave 11.8 million more Americans uninsured by 2034. In its current form, the wealthiest Americans would receive significant tax breaks (estimated $12,000 per year), while the poorest could lose up to $1,600 annually, according to the CBO.
Several provisions aim to strip Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and ACA premium assistance from immigrants, including refugees and TPS holders, though some were blocked by the Senate parliamentarian under the Byrd Rule. Multiple controversial provisions were initially ruled out of bounds, including limits on immigrant eligibility for public benefits and Medicaid provider taxes, but Republicans are working to revise and resubmit them (see the full list of Byrd Rule violations here).
Next Steps: The bill went into 20 hours of floor debate followed by a rapid “vote-a-rama” on amendments. If passed, it returns to the House, where Speaker Johnson is urging swift approval before the July 4 recess. But our pushback has been working – Advocacy has slowed the process and exposed fractures in GOP support. Advocates are working to sway three additional senators to join Sen. Rand Paul in voting “no.”
This is where contacting our Republican Representatives (LaHood, Bost, and Miller) is going to be vital!
How to Stay Engaged:
- Call Congress: Use (866) 426-2631 or (202) 224-3121 (Capitol switchboard)
- Resources Available: Call scripts from Community Catalyst and fact sheets, bill summaries, and analysis on the Defending Medicaid
- Upcoming Briefing: Join Families USA, CBPP and Community Catalyst, for a strategy webinar on Tuesday, July 1, from 2–3 p.m. ET to discuss health-related provisions and next steps – Register here.
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