NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
In a dramatic late-night session on Capitol Hill, the U.S. Senate voted 51-49 on Saturday to advance President Donald Trump’s landmark “Big Beautiful Bill,” moving the administration one step closer to a major legislative victory.
The procedural vote, which followed hours of tense negotiations and shifting alliances, highlighted both the deep divisions and delicate balancing act within the Republican Party. Despite early setbacks and internal dissent, the Trump-backed bill survived its first major Senate test—thanks in part to last-minute persuasion efforts and a well-timed appearance by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Vice President Vance arrived on the Senate floor just before 8:30 p.m., ready to cast a tie-breaking vote if needed. His presence underscored the high political stakes, as several GOP senators had either opposed or wavered on the measure.
Early in the vote, three Republicans—Senators Rand Paul (KY), Ron Johnson (WI), and Thom Tillis (NC)—voted against the bill, raising the possibility of a 50-50 split. As the margin tightened, attention turned to five remaining GOP holdouts.
Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) was the first of the undecideds to cast a “yes” vote after Vance’s arrival. But all eyes quickly shifted to Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a known swing vote within the Republican ranks. Murkowski engaged in extended private conversations with Vice President Vance and senior leadership before ultimately voting “yes” at 9:16 p.m., providing critical momentum.
Still, the bill’s fate hung in the balance as Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Mike Lee (R-UT)—all seen as fiscally cautious conservatives—remained undecided. The trio had previously expressed concerns about the bill’s long-term cost and alignment with conservative principles.
Meanwhile, Senator Johnson was spotted in Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-SD) office in what sources described as a “constructive” conversation. Around 10:45 p.m., Johnson reversed course and changed his vote to “yes,” breaking the deadlock.
Minutes later, Senators Scott, Lummis, and Lee followed suit, pushing the final tally to 51-49 and clearing the path for the bill’s full Senate consideration.
The “Big Beautiful Bill,” a centerpiece of President Trump’s second-term agenda, encompasses wide-ranging reforms across taxes, border security, energy independence, and regulatory rollbacks. The White House has described it as a “transformative package” designed to “restore American strength, sovereignty, and prosperity.”
Though Saturday night’s vote was procedural, it represents a major breakthrough in what has become a deeply polarized legislative environment. With final Senate passage now within reach, the Trump administration is celebrating what it sees as a turning point in its push to reshape the federal government and deliver on its campaign promises.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hailed the vote as a “win for working Americans,” while Vice President Vance told reporters afterward, “Tonight proved that with strong leadership and resolve, we can get big things done for this country.”
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