Tue Jul 01 09:30:00 UTC 2025: **Senate to Vote on Trump-Backed Bill: Tax Cuts for High Earners, Cuts to Social Programs**
**WASHINGTON** – The Senate is poised to vote this weekend on a sweeping bill backed by President Donald Trump that would extend the 2017 tax cuts, benefiting high-income earners, waiters, and waitresses. However, the legislation also proposes significant changes to social programs like Medicaid and SNAP, potentially impacting millions of low-income Americans.
Republicans are rushing to pass the 940-page bill before a self-imposed July 4th deadline. Supporters emphasize the bill’s economic benefits through extended tax cuts and increased funding for military and border security.
“If you like higher taxes, open borders, a weak military, and unchecked government spending, this bill is your nightmare,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina.
However, Democrats are strongly opposed. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, called it a “big, ugly betrayal” that favors the wealthy while hurting the poor.
The bill’s provisions include:
* **Tax Cuts:** Extends the 2017 tax cuts, maintaining lower tax rates for high-income earners. Tipped employees could claim a new tax deduction for tips.
* **Medicaid:** Maintains new work requirements and increased eligibility checks.
* **SNAP (Food Stamps):** Imposes new work requirements for able-bodied adults and requires states to share costs.
* **Defense Spending:** Injects roughly $150 billion into the military and $1 billion into border security.
* **Immigration:** Allocates billions for new immigration detention centers, mass deportations, and 10,000 more deportation agents.
The bill also increases the nation’s debt limit by $5 trillion.
Debate is expected to be fierce as the Senate convenes, with the outcome uncertain. President Trump is applying pressure on Republican senators to ensure passage, stating that failure to pass the bill would be the “ultimate betrayal.”
First Piper 