Senate Republicans Push Trump’s Agenda Despite Party Divisions
In the hours following a recent debate, Senate Republicans rallied behind President Donald Trump’s initiatives, even as two GOP senators diverged from the party line.
North Carolina’s Sen. Tom Tillis and Kentucky’s Sen. Rand Paul were the notable dissenters, voting “No” alongside the Democrats. This coalition helped pass Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” with a narrow margin of 51-49 according to reports.
It’s crucial to remember the facts. People matter. The Senate’s approach to Medicaid will ultimately fail those who need it most. A simple adjustment could prevent that outcome.pic.twitter.com/zvw1agcxbf
– Senator Tom Tillis (@senthomtillis) June 30, 2025
In the House, only Republican Rep. Warren Davidson from Ohio and Rep. Thomas Massey from Kentucky voted against the bill, expressing worries about its implications for the national deficit and federal expenditures. (Related: Glovernorkist: How the big beautiful bill aims to reinforce America)
Paul echoed similar libertarian sentiments in the Senate, viewing the bill as more of a spending plan than a solution to debt issues. He called out the legislation, saying, “it’s more about spending than resolving the debt crisis.”
Meanwhile, Trump highlighted the work of Republican Wisconsin Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, and Rick Scott in his posts on Truth Social.
Tillis openly criticized the proposed Medicaid cuts as detrimental to North Carolina, stating he “cannot support the bill in its current form” in a press release.
“This could mean losing tens of thousands of dollars in funding, affecting hospitals and rural communities,” he remarked.
Breaking News: Rand Paul criticizes the “Big, Very Beautiful Bill” in a recent statement… https://t.co/r8bladui42 via @youtube
– Randpaul (@randpaul) June 29, 2025
Tillis added that the cuts would compel the state to make difficult choices, potentially impacting hundreds of thousands reliant on expanded Medicaid and forcing reductions in essential services for traditional Medicaid beneficiaries. (Related: Exclusive: Rep. Thomas Massey on his support for Trump’s big beautiful bill.)
Trump later expressed warnings through a Truth Social post regarding future procedural votes, advising caution on expenditures while emphasizing the need for reelection efforts.
A number of Republicans, including Senators Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, Rick Scott from Florida, Mike Lee from Utah, and Cynthia Ramis from Wyoming, found themselves uncertain for over three hours on their votes.
Ultimately, Senate leadership, including South Dakota’s Sen. John Thune, managed to rally support for the final vote expected in the coming days.
However, the bill’s passage remains in question within the divided Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 53-47 majority. Senator Susan Collins from Maine cast a vote to initiate debate while expressing reservations, suggesting she is “leaning towards” a final vote but emphasizing the necessity for substantial revisions.
Collins proposed adjustments, like increasing taxes on the wealthiest, and later refrained from stating her voting intentions but conveyed worries about Medicaid cuts and other elements according to reports.
She said, “I’m looking at the revision and won’t finalize my decision right now,” adding her commitment to increasing support for rural hospitals.
Senator Collins comments that she is “leaning” toward the bill but will monitor future changes carefully before deciding on the full package.
– Deirdre Walsh (@deirdrekwalsh) June 30, 2025
Tillis made headlines hours after Trump’s warning about a significant challenger following his vote against the administration’s tax and immigration proposals, stating he would not run for reelection.
Trump criticized Tillis on social media, suggesting that North Carolinians wouldn’t favor a senator seeking self-serving publicity amid potential reelection challenges. (Related: Thoughts from Heartland voters on Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”)
In another post, Trump revealed that several candidates have approached him regarding a challenge to Tillis, indicating that he will meet with potential contenders in the upcoming weeks to assess who might genuinely represent North Carolina and the broader interests of the nation.
Attempts to contact Tillis and Paul for comments went unanswered before publication.
