Washington, D.C. — Senate Republicans are racing toward a critical procedural vote on President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending legislation, known as the megabill, set for Saturday afternoon. This Megabill , central to Trump’s domestic agenda, faces stiff resistance from both Senate and House conservatives, despite overnight revisions aimed at securing broader support.
Mounting Pressure on the Senate Floor
Momentum picked up midday Saturday as Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced their intentions to support the initial motion to proceed. Hawley confirmed his backing for final passage, while Collins expressed skepticism, noting she would need “substantial changes” before committing to a “yes” vote on the final bill.
Yet the path forward remains uncertain. Key Republican senators, including Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), remain firmly opposed. Tillis, who is especially vulnerable in the 2026 election cycle, has taken a hard stance against deep Medicaid cuts—a central piece of the legislation.
Sources confirmed that President Trump personally contacted Tillis in a last-ditch effort to sway his vote, underscoring the high stakes and delicate whip count involved.
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Vote Outcome May Hinge on VP JD Vance
Should at least two other Republicans join Tillis in opposition, Senate leaders would be forced to rely on Vice President JD Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote—an extraordinary move that reflects the deep division within the GOP.
Several senators remain on the fence, including Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.). Fiscal conservatives like Johnson and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have voiced strong concerns over the bill’s potential to inflate the national debt. Both senators reportedly met with Trump shortly before the procedural vote to voice their objections.
Inside the GOP Strategy Room
Republicans held a closed-door lunch session Saturday to finalize their strategy before the planned 4 p.m. vote. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) stated, “We won’t bring it to the floor if we don’t have the votes,” signaling that party leaders are prepared to delay rather than risk a failed motion.
If the procedural hurdle is cleared, the Senate will move to open debate on the megabill, followed by a high-stakes “vote-a-rama”—an unlimited amendment process that could last hours or even days. Only after this grueling process will the final vote on the bill take place.
Trump’s Push to Meet July 4 Deadline
The White House released a statement Saturday affirming President Trump’s support for the revised bill and pushing Congress to send it to his desk by Independence Day.
“President Trump is committed to keeping his promises, and failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal,” the administration warned.
Despite the overnight tweaks, opposition from moderate senators like Collins continues. A longtime critic of Medicaid reductions, Collins said she will introduce several amendments targeting the proposed cuts and income tax adjustments.
Working-Class Support Remains a Key Hurdle
Sen. Hawley emphasized that while he supports the bill’s broader goals, he remains committed to protecting working-class Americans from harmful provisions—particularly the Medicaid cuts.
“I’m going to spend the next however long trying to make sure that the cuts we’ve successfully delayed never take place,” Hawley stated. “If you want to be a working-class party, you have to deliver for working-class people.”
Alaska-Specific Provisions and House Discord
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) noted that further changes could still be made, especially to provisions involving SNAP (food assistance). Sullivan praised additional deductions for Alaskan whale hunters as a major win, though he’s still reviewing the full scope of the revised bill.
Meanwhile, on the House side, Republican leaders are contending with a different set of concerns. Lawmakers from high-tax blue states appear to be satisfied with the latest SALT (State and Local Tax) deductions. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) voiced his support and claimed that most of his colleagues agree with the compromise.
However, Medicaid reforms continue to spark internal division. More than a dozen House Republicans, including Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), are threatening to oppose the bill unless it aligns more closely with the House-passed version. In an effort to maintain unity, GOP leadership urged members to express concerns privately and avoid social media disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Senate megabill?
The megabill is a comprehensive tax and spending package that includes most of President Trump’s domestic policy priorities, such as Medicaid reforms, tax cuts, and adjustments to welfare programs.
Why is the vote significant?
This vote will determine whether the Senate moves forward with debate and amendments. It’s a key step in the legislative process and a test of unity among Senate Republicans.
What are the main points of contention?
The biggest sticking points include deep Medicaid cuts, concerns over the national debt, and disagreements about SNAP provisions and tax deductions.
Who are the key swing votes?
Senators Thom Tillis, Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, Rand Paul, Ron Johnson, and Mike Lee are among those whose votes are critical to moving the bill forward.
What is a “vote-a-rama”?
A vote-a-rama is a Senate procedure that allows for an unlimited number of amendments to be proposed and voted on, often leading to long, overnight sessions.
What does the bill say about Medicaid?
The bill proposes substantial cuts to Medicaid, which has sparked opposition from moderates and lawmakers representing states with large low-income populations.
When is the final vote expected?
If the procedural vote passes, debate and amendments will follow. A final vote could occur in the next few days, possibly before July 4.
What role does Vice President JD Vance play?
As Senate President, Vance could cast a tie-breaking vote if the GOP fails to secure a majority on the procedural motion or final passage.
Conclusion
The upcoming Senate vote on Trump’s megabill represents one of the most consequential moments of this legislative cycle. With internal GOP divisions still unresolved and pressure mounting from both chambers, the next 48 hours will be critical in determining whether Trump’s domestic vision becomes reality—or collapses under the weight of party infighting.
As Senate Republicans prepare for a contentious debate and an exhaustive amendment process, all eyes remain on Capitol Hill. The megabill’s fate now hinges on a fragile coalition—and possibly a tie-breaking vote from the vice president himself.