President Donald Trump and Senate Republican leaders are grappling with intense opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a comprehensive tax-cut and spending package targeted for passage before the July 4 holiday.
With a slim 53-47 Senate majority, GOP leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, are pushing for swift action to begin Senate votes this week.
However, hardline Republicans are demanding deeper spending cuts, while others oppose provisions that could harm social programs like Medicaid.
The Congressional Budget Office projects the House version of the bill would increase the national debt by $2.8 trillion over a decade, fueling dissent among fiscal conservatives.
Public support for the legislation is faltering, with multiple polls revealing widespread disapproval.
A Fox News poll showed 59% of registered voters oppose the bill, with only 38% in favor, while a Quinnipiac poll reported 53% opposition and just 27% support.
The bill’s proposed Medicaid cuts, including new work requirements projected to result in over 10 million losing coverage, have drawn particular criticism.
In the Senate, the parliamentarian’s review has already removed provisions like SNAP spending cuts, complicating efforts to secure the 51 votes needed to bypass Democratic opposition.
Some Republicans, like Senator Josh Hawley, have raised concerns over Medicaid provider tax changes that could defund rural hospitals.
As the July 4 deadline looms, Trump is intensifying pressure on GOP senators to unify behind the bill, calling it a chance for historic economic growth.
Despite his optimism, internal GOP divisions and a narrow House majority pose significant hurdles.
House Republicans like Rep. Chip Roy have criticized the bill’s scaled-back cuts to green energy subsidies, signaling potential resistance when the Senate version returns for final approval.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are poised to capitalize on the bill’s unpopularity, framing it as harmful to healthcare and working families ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The outcome will test Republican unity and Trump’s influence as the party navigates this contentious legislative push.