Empire State Review Team 
President Donald Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping tax and spending package, is facing significant opposition from within his own party. Several Republican senators have raised concerns over the bill’s potential to substantially increase the national debt, threatening its passage in the Senate.
The legislation, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, by a vote of 215–214, aims to extend the 2017 tax cuts, provide new tax breaks for tips and overtime, and increase defense and border security spending. To offset these costs, the bill proposes cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill could add up to $4 trillion to the federal deficit over the next decade.
Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has been vocal in his criticism, stating that the bill’s fiscal impact is “completely unacceptable.” He, along with Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), has expressed concerns over the proposed $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling included in the bill. Senator Paul has suggested a more modest, short-term debt ceiling hike of $500 billion to allow for further negotiations on spending reforms.
Moderate Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have also expressed reservations, particularly regarding the proposed cuts to Medicaid. These internal divisions within the Republican Party pose a significant challenge to the bill’s passage in the Senate, where the GOP holds a narrow majority.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has acknowledged the need for revisions to address these concerns and ensure the bill’s compliance with Senate reconciliation rules. He has indicated that the Senate will work to modify the legislation to secure the necessary support for its passage.
President Trump has expressed his desire to sign the bill into law by July 4, 2025. However, the growing opposition within his party suggests that significant negotiations and compromises will be necessary to achieve this goal.
The outcome of this legislative battle will have far-reaching implications for the nation’s fiscal policy and the Republican Party’s internal dynamics. As debates continue, the focus remains on balancing tax relief, government spending, and the long-term health of the nation’s economy.
