Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' passed by Senate; Americans issued warning

In a razor-thin victory, the Republican-dominated Senate has pushed through President Donald Trump's flagship policy, the "one big, beautiful bill," amidst fierce criticism from Democrats.

The contentious bill scraped through with a 51-50 vote, Vice President JD Vance stepping in to break the deadlock following dissent from three Republican Senators: Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Vance said "The bill as amendment is passed." His words were met with a round of applause from Republican senators, while Democrats slumped in their seats, shaking their heads in visible frustration.

Infighting among Republicans over the deficit, welfare programmes and spending limits nearly derailed the bill entirely. Even Trump admitted it would be "very hard" to hit his Independence Day deadline.

In the end, Senate Majority Leader John Thune was dealt a blow, losing three GOP senators in the tight vote. Susan Collins (Maine), Thom Tillis (North Carolina) and Rand Paul (Kentucky) all broke ranks and sided with Democrats, refusing to back the legislation.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski had held out until the final moments, citing major concerns over how cuts to Medicaid of up to 17 million Americans would impact the nation. She eventually voted in favour-but made clear she wasn't happy about it.

Speaking moments after the vote, Murkowski said the process had been "rushed" and driven by an "artificial timeline."

"I struggled mightily with the impact on the most vulnerable in this country," she admitted. "Probably the most difficult and agonising legislative 24-hour period" of my career.

Murkowski added: "My hope is that the House is going to look at this and recognise that we're not there yet."

Her reluctant support brought the final tally in the Senate to a 50-50 deadlock-forcing Vance to cast the deciding vote and break the tie.

Speaker Mike Johnson told the press on Monday that the bill would be passed "one way or another."

The legislation serves as an extension of the tax cuts proposed by Trump in his first term and introduces new military funding while supporting his extensive plans for mass deportation through cutting Medicaid, energy, and food assistance programmes.

Prior to Senate approval, the Congressional Budget Office predicted that the national debt could swell by $3.3 trillion over ten years if the bill passes. Furthermore, the CBO cautioned that nearly 11.8 million individuals could lose health coverage by 2034 if the law is enacted.

Senator Collins, opposing the bill from within Republican ranks, criticised its likely severe impacts on Medicaid.

Collins voiced concern over her Maine constituents-nearly a third of the state's residents depend on Medicaid for healthcare.

"I strongly support extending the tax relief for families and small businesses. My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes," explained Collins about her stance.