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Sunday 22/02/2026

Trump's Tax Bill Faces Senate Hurdles Amidst Internal GOP Disputes

Female parliamentarian holding paper in Senate debate
Alex CarterAlex Carter

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has challenged parts of Trump's tax bill, citing violations of Senate rules.
  • The bill, dubbed the "big beautiful bill" by Trump, faces a July 4 deadline for passage, but internal GOP disagreements persist.
  • Democrats oppose the bill, highlighting its potential $4.2 trillion impact on the US budget deficit and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
  • Republicans aim to use budget reconciliation to bypass a filibuster, but MacDonough's ruling complicates this strategy.
  • Trump's bill is controversial, with Democrats calling it the "big, ugly betrayal" due to its social program cuts.

As the July 4 deadline looms, President Donald Trump's ambitious tax-and-spending legislation, known as the "big beautiful bill," encounters significant challenges in the Senate. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has flagged several provisions of the bill as violations of Senate rules, casting doubt on its swift passage.

Senate Parliamentarian's Role

Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate's first female parliamentarian, has become a pivotal figure in the legislative process. Her recent ruling against certain elements of Trump's bill, particularly those affecting Medicaid taxes, has sparked controversy. The Byrd Rule, which MacDonough cited, restricts extraneous provisions in reconciliation bills, complicating the Republicans' plan to pass the bill with a simple majority.

Contentious Provisions and Political Divide

The bill proposes extensive tax cuts and spending reductions, including significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Democrats have vehemently opposed these measures, labeling the bill the "big, ugly betrayal." They argue that it could strip 16 million people of their health insurance and exacerbate the US budget deficit by $4.2 trillion over the next decade.

Republican Strategy and Internal Disagreements

Despite holding a majority in both the House and Senate, Republicans face internal disagreements over the bill's provisions. The budget reconciliation process, which allows for bypassing a filibuster, is under threat due to MacDonough's ruling. President Trump has urged lawmakers to prioritize the bill's passage, emphasizing its benefits for working families and law enforcement, yet divisions within the party persist.

Public and Political Reactions

Trump's bill has drawn mixed reactions from the public and lawmakers alike. While some Republicans support the proposed tax cuts, others are wary of the potential long-term economic impact. Democrats, meanwhile, have celebrated MacDonough's ruling as a victory for protecting healthcare access for millions of Americans.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The future of Trump's tax bill remains uncertain as the July 4 deadline approaches. If Republicans fail to reconcile internal differences and address MacDonough's concerns, the bill may face further delays or require significant revisions. The potential $4.2 trillion impact on the US budget deficit could also sway moderate Republicans against the bill, complicating its passage. As the debate continues, the political landscape may shift, influencing upcoming elections and shaping future legislative priorities.

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Additional article image
Image Source: US Senate