US senators are poised to vote on unlocking trillions of dollars for sweeping tax cuts promised by President Donald Trump, despite deep divisions within the Republican Party over the funding required to support them.
This internal conflict arises as Wall Street leads a global market downturn, with countries grappling with the impacts of Trump’s trade war. Meanwhile, Democrats argue that it’s the wrong time to pursue significant cuts to government spending.
Republican leaders in the Senate are concerned not only about external opposition but also internal discord, as they prepare for a crucial vote on a “budget resolution” backed by Trump. This resolution will set the stage for negotiations on advancing his domestic agenda.
Senators and House Republicans are at odds over the extent of the spending cuts, with concerns mounting about public backlash over an unprecedented reduction in federal bureaucracy led by Trump’s tech advisor, Elon Musk.
Both chambers of Congress must pass identical budget blueprints—a task that has been challenging due to months of contentious discussions—before they can begin drafting a major bill to extend Trump’s first-term tax cuts and boost border security and energy production.
Senate Republican leader John Thune emphasized that the resolution is a key step toward making permanent the tax relief implemented in 2017 and investing in national, border, and energy security, all while achieving substantial savings.
Senators were engaged in an all-night session, debating numerous amendments, some aimed at forcing Republicans to take a stance on Trump’s tariffs on imports. The Senate hopes to vote on the resolution’s final passage later on Saturday morning, although this depends on how quickly they can conclude the “vote-a-rama” on amendments.
If the resolution passes the Senate, it will still need approval from the House, where Republican leaders are eager to get it to Trump’s desk before Congress breaks for a two-week Easter recess.
Democrats have criticized the plan, claiming it would lead to further cuts to essential services. The proposal also includes a $5 trillion increase in the borrowing limit to avoid a debt default this summer, postponing any further hikes until after the 2026 midterm elections. Experts warn that the tax cuts could add over $5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The Cato Institute has referred to the resolution as a “fiscal train wreck” that worsens the country’s debt trajectory.
Trump, who has promoted the plan on social media, expressed his “complete and total support” for the resolution during a White House event. However, Republicans remain deeply divided on spending cuts, with the Senate seeking $4 billion in savings while the House demands cuts of $1.5 trillion. Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, when asked about supporting the Senate’s resolution, said, “To me, it’s dead on arrival.”
AFP
