Senate Democrats Stall, But Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Clears First Major Hurdle

After a prolonged procedural standoff in the U.S. Senate, President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative proposal—coined the “Big, Beautiful Bill”—has cleared its first significant obstacle. Although Senate Republicans are not yet in the clear for final passage, the legislation has successfully advanced past an initial vote, following hours of debate and one particularly theatrical delay.

On Saturday evening, Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), deployed an unusual procedural tactic aimed at slowing the bill’s momentum: they forced the complete reading of the bill’s 940 pages aloud on the Senate floor. The reading, handled by exhausted Senate clerks, dragged on for nearly 16 straight hours and didn’t conclude until the early hours of Sunday morning.

“I know damn well they haven’t read the bill, so we’re going to make them,” Schumer said before the reading began. He later commented on social media that “Republicans are squirming,” suggesting the move was a response to what he called the GOP’s lack of transparency.

However, critics were quick to call out the irony in Schumer’s move, noting that Democrats have historically pushed through their own massive bills—such as the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act—without full readings or bipartisan review. Many political observers dismissed the maneuver as a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful stand.

Despite the theatrics, the Senate is now proceeding with the standard 20-hour debate window—split evenly between the two parties. Democrats are expected to use most, if not all, of their allotted time, while many Republicans are likely to yield some of theirs, focusing instead on final negotiations and amendment proposals.

Still, smooth passage of Trump’s signature legislation is far from guaranteed. Several Senate Republicans remain uneasy about key provisions in the bill, particularly those involving Medicaid reforms and federal spending levels.

Among the holdouts is Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a vocal fiscal hawk who has long criticized both parties for runaway spending. His support for the bill’s final passage remains uncertain. “We have a responsibility to rein in government excess,” Paul stated last week, indicating that his vote would hinge on proposed amendments to trim the bill’s cost.

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) also stands opposed, primarily due to changes in the Medicaid program that he believes could adversely affect his state. Tillis, who recently announced he will retire at the end of his term, has shown little interest in compromising, despite public pressure from President Trump and the looming threat of a primary challenger.

“I’ve made my position clear,” Tillis told reporters. “If the bill isn’t changed, I won’t be supporting it.”

Meanwhile, moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), who initially voted to move the bill forward, has also expressed concern about Medicaid provisions—specifically the federal provider tax rate. She has called for “meaningful revisions” before she offers her final support.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who is spearheading the legislative push alongside Vice President JD Vance, has spent the past several days working behind the scenes to shore up support. One of the sticking points has been the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which determines how much the federal government contributes to state Medicaid costs. A group of fiscal conservatives is pushing for amendments to reduce FMAP increases, hoping to shrink the overall cost of the bill.

After a grueling four-hour procedural vote, the bill advanced by a narrow margin of 51-49. Though Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, only 51 supported the bill in the initial vote. Senators Tillis and Paul cast the only Republican ‘no’ votes.

Still, the outcome was celebrated by Trump and his allies as a milestone in his second-term agenda.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who previously opposed the bill but flipped to support it after working with Trump’s economic team, called the legislation a “necessary first step” in reversing the financial and policy legacies of the Biden administration.

“President Trump is fully committed to addressing the chaos left behind—be it the border, inflation, or ballooning deficits,” Johnson said. “This bill isn’t perfect, but it sets us on a path toward fiscal responsibility and renewed strength.”

With debate now underway, further amendments are expected in the coming days. GOP leadership hopes to secure a final vote by the end of the week, though opposition from within the party could still pose challenges.

As the Senate edges closer to final consideration, both parties remain locked in a high-stakes battle over not just policy details—but political narratives, legislative legacy, and the future direction of the federal government.