Senate Republicans late Saturday voted to begin debate on President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package, kickstarting an effort to get the measure to his desk by July 4.
The 51-49 test vote was a victory for Republicans after struggling Saturday to secure enough support to take that first step, holding the procedural vote open for almost four hours as GOP leaders negotiated with various holdouts.
Vice President J.D. Vance waited in the Capitol prepared to break a tie, but ultimately he was not needed.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Alaska Republican, cast her “yes” vote nearly two hours in, while GOP Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Rick Scott of Florida followed two more hours later.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the legislation is poised to deliver on Republicans’ promises and “make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
“Fifty-three members will never agree on every detail of legislation, let’s face it,” the South Dakota Republican said in a floor speech before the vote. “But Republicans are united in our commitment to what we’re doing in this bill – securing our border; strengthening our national defense; growing our economy; unleashing American energy; cutting waste, fraud, and abuse; and preventing tax hikes on hardworking Americans.”
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, is forcing Senate clerks to read the bill aloud on the floor before the chamber proceeds to up to 20 hours of debate, after which unlimited amendment votes can begin. That puts the bill on track for passage sometime Monday.
“Republicans won’t tell America what’s in the bill. So Democrats are forcing it to be read start to finish on the floor,” Mr. Schumer said.
