Three Republican senators—Thom Tillis (NC), Susan Collins (ME), and Rand Paul (KY)—voted against the bill in the Senate.
In a dramatic turn on Capitol Hill, the question of “Which Republicans Voted Against Big Beautiful Bill” has taken center stage as President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” narrowly passed the Senate on July 1, 2025. Despite immense pressure from Trump and GOP leadership, a handful of Republican lawmakers broke ranks, voicing deep concerns over the bill’s impact on Medicaid, federal spending, and the national debt.
Key Point Summary:
- Three Republican senators—Thom Tillis (NC), Susan Collins (ME), and Rand Paul (KY)—voted against the bill in the Senate.
- Five House Republicans also opposed advancing the bill during a critical committee vote.
- The bill includes major tax cuts, steep Medicaid reductions, increased deportation funding, and controversial fiscal measures.
- The legislation now returns to the House for final reconciliation.
Table of Contents
The Big Beautiful Bill: What’s at Stake
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term legislative agenda. It bundles a wide array of policies: extending Trump-era tax cuts, slashing Medicaid funding, boosting border security, and rolling back clean energy incentives. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has projected that the bill would add over $3.9 trillion to the national debt, despite White House claims of deficit reduction.
Which Republicans Voted Against Big Beautiful Bill in the Senate?
The Senate vote was razor-thin, ending in a 50-50 tie that was broken by Vice President J.D. Vance. Against a backdrop of marathon amendment sessions and intense party-line pressure, three Republican senators cast decisive “no” votes:
- Thom Tillis (North Carolina): Tillis cited the bill’s “tens of billions of dollars in lost funding” for North Carolina, especially for hospitals and rural communities. He warned that nearly 12 million adults could lose health insurance over the next decade due to Medicaid cuts, breaking a key promise to constituents.
- Susan Collins (Maine): Collins, known for her moderate stance, objected to the Medicaid reductions and the bill’s impact on vulnerable populations in her state.
- Rand Paul (Kentucky): Paul, a fiscal hawk, opposed the bill on grounds that it would balloon the national debt and failed to deliver on true spending restraint.
Their opposition was notable, especially given Trump’s public threats to support primary challengers against dissenting Republicans.
House Republicans Who Opposed the Big Beautiful Bill
Earlier, during a pivotal Budget Committee vote in May, five House Republicans stood against advancing the bill:
- Chip Roy (Texas)
- Ralph Norman (South Carolina)
- Josh Brecheen (Oklahoma)
- Andrew Clyde (Georgia)
- Lloyd Smucker (Pennsylvania)
These lawmakers, largely fiscal conservatives, objected to the bill’s spending levels and the scope of entitlement reforms. Smucker clarified that his “no” vote was procedural, aimed at keeping the committee’s options open, but the opposition signaled deep divisions within the GOP.
Why Did These Republicans Vote Against the Big Beautiful Bill?
The dissenting Republicans voiced several major concerns:
- Medicaid Cuts: The proposed reductions would impact millions, with the CBO estimating nearly 12 million adults could lose coverage by 2034.
- National Debt: The bill’s fiscal framework, which uses a “current policy baseline,” masks the true cost of extending tax cuts, potentially adding trillions to the debt.
- Impact on States: Senators like Tillis and Collins highlighted the disproportionate harm to their states’ hospitals, rural communities, and vulnerable populations.
- Procedural Objections: Some House Republicans objected to the rushed process and lack of transparency, with last-minute changes giving little time for review.
Table: Republicans Who Voted Against the Big Beautiful Bill
| Chamber | Name | State | Reason for Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senate | Thom Tillis | North Carolina | Medicaid cuts, impact on hospitals |
| Senate | Susan Collins | Maine | Medicaid cuts, impact on vulnerable |
| Senate | Rand Paul | Kentucky | National debt, fiscal restraint |
| House | Chip Roy | Texas | Fiscal conservatism, spending levels |
| House | Ralph Norman | South Carolina | Fiscal conservatism, entitlement reform |
| House | Josh Brecheen | Oklahoma | Fiscal conservatism |
| House | Andrew Clyde | Georgia | Fiscal conservatism |
| House | Lloyd Smucker | Pennsylvania | Procedural, fiscal concerns |
The Political Fallout
Trump has not taken the dissent lightly. In a recent Truth Social post, he threatened to back primary challengers against Senator Tillis, stating, “Numerous people have come forward wanting to run in the Primary against ‘Senator Thom’ Tillis.” The White House has labeled failure to pass the bill as the “ultimate betrayal,” underscoring the high stakes for GOP unity.
Meanwhile, the bill’s future in the House remains uncertain. With razor-thin margins and ongoing resistance from fiscal conservatives, House leaders face a delicate balancing act to secure final passage before Trump’s July 4 deadline.
What’s Next for the Big Beautiful Bill?
The bill now heads back to the House for reconciliation with its earlier version. House Republican leaders are racing against the clock, but with vocal opposition from both chambers, the outcome remains in flux. Political observers are watching closely to see whether additional Republicans will join the dissent, or if leadership can broker enough compromises to push the bill to Trump’s desk.
As the debate over “Which Republicans Voted Against Big Beautiful Bill” continues, the spotlight remains on the party’s internal divisions and the broader implications for Trump’s legislative agenda.
Get the latest updates on which Republicans voted against Big Beautiful Bill, and what it means for the future of Trump’s legislative agenda. Don’t miss out—sign up for alerts and share your thoughts on this historic vote.