Bill Passed: Yes, by a 51–50 vote.
On July 1, 2025, the U.S. Senate held a high-stakes vote on the Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping legislative package backed by former President Donald Trump. After a grueling session filled with amendments, fiery debates, and late-night lobbying, the bill passed with a narrow 51–50 vote. But which senators voted for the Big Beautiful Bill? Here’s the full breakdown, latest updates, and what the vote means for America’s fiscal future.
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The Final Senate Vote: A 51–50 Showdown
In a dramatic finish, 50 Republican senators voted in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill. With the Senate split evenly, Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, sealing the bill’s passage. All 49 Democrats voted against the measure. Three key Republican senators—Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis—broke with their party and voted no, citing specific policy concerns.
This vote marks one of the most consequential Senate decisions of 2025, pushing forward Trump’s signature legislative goal in his second term.
Which Senators Voted for the Big Beautiful Bill?
These GOP senators supported the bill, ensuring its passage:
- Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
- Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
- John Cornyn (R-TX)
- Josh Hawley (R-MO)
- Ted Cruz (R-TX)
- Marco Rubio (R-FL)
- Ron Johnson (R-WI)
- Mike Lee (R-UT)
- Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
- Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
(Initially undecided, Murkowski voted yes after rural Medicaid protections were added.)
Other Republican senators followed the party line, despite internal concerns over the national debt and potential backlash from Medicaid and SNAP cuts.
Which Senators Opposed the Big Beautiful Bill?
Every Democratic senator opposed the bill, calling it “reckless” and “devastating to low-income Americans.” Joining them were three Republicans:
- Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) – Voiced concern over Medicaid cuts and funding for rural hospitals.
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) – Rejected the bill due to increased deficit and lack of fiscal restraint.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) – Objected to how fast the bill was pushed without committee review.
Despite their opposition, the bill prevailed with the VP’s tie-breaking vote.
Key Provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill
The bill includes several major policy shifts. Here’s a quick summary:
- Tax Reform: Makes Trump-era tax cuts permanent for individuals and businesses.
- Wage Boosts: Exempts tips and overtime from federal income tax.
- Entitlement Cuts: Implements work requirements for Medicaid; cuts SNAP funding significantly.
- Defense & Border Security: Increases defense spending and funds a new “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration facility.
- AI Regulation Amendment: Removes federal limits on state-level AI policy development.
The bill’s price tag? Projected to add over $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, according to early budget estimates.
Key Point Summary
- Bill Passed: Yes, by a 51–50 vote.
- Republicans Voting Yes: 50.
- Democrats Voting No: 49.
- Republicans Voting No: Collins, Paul, Tillis.
- Vice President’s Vote: J.D. Vance broke the tie in favor.
- Bill Highlights: Tax cut extensions, Medicaid reforms, SNAP reductions, defense funding boosts.
What’s Next After the Vote?
Now that the Senate has passed the Big Beautiful Bill, the legislation heads back to the House of Representatives. The House must reconcile any amendments made in the Senate version before sending it to President Trump for his signature.
The bill’s future depends on whether House Republicans remain unified. A handful of GOP lawmakers in the House have already expressed concerns about entitlement cuts, which could delay or modify the final version.
If the House passes the Senate-amended version without changes, Trump is expected to sign it into law before July 4, giving him a symbolic Independence Day win.
Why This Vote Matters
The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill marks a major political win for Trump’s agenda in 2025. It revives key tax reforms, makes bold changes to federal programs, and reshapes the budget for years to come.
The razor-thin margin and party defection show a deep divide—not just between parties, but within the GOP. Republicans who voted for the bill now face mounting pressure from constituents worried about healthcare access and food insecurity.
The full impact of the bill will unfold in the coming months as federal agencies implement its sweeping reforms.
Keep checking back for updates as the bill moves to the House. We’ll bring you the latest developments, final vote tallies, and reactions from Capitol Hill.