Senate Republicans face internal conflict over Trump’s legislative agenda, considering splitting the bill to pass key priorities like border security
Senate Republicans Push to Split Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” Amid Internal Divisions
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are reevaluating their strategy to advance President Trump’s legislative agenda, proposing to break the House-drafted budget reconciliation bill into smaller, more manageable pieces to salvage key priorities like border security funding and tax cuts . The original “one big, beautiful bill,” which bundles contentious policies such as Medicaid cuts, SNAP reforms, and extensions of the 2017 tax cuts, faces mounting resistance in the Senate due to fiscal concerns and political risks ahead of the fall elections.
Stalled Progress and Internal Opposition
The House narrowly advanced the bill last week, but Senate moderates and fiscal hawks remain divided. Moderate Republicans oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid, fearing backlash in swing states, while fiscal conservatives argue the bill lacks sufficient deficit reduction. “There are still a lot of problems,” admitted a Senate GOP lawmaker anonymously, citing unresolved debates over SNAP reforms and border security delays . The bill’s complexity has also drawn criticism, with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) calling it “very, very complicated,” particularly in balancing tax cuts with spending reductions .
Plan B: Breaking Up the Bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) initially proposed splitting the bill into two packages in December—a strategy revived as the House version struggles. Senate negotiators now aim to prioritize less controversial elements, such as $175 billion for border security, $150 billion for defense, and a permanent extension of the 2017 tax cuts . These measures could pass quickly and secure Trump’s approval before July 4, while leaving contentious Medicaid and SNAP reforms for later. “Leave the hard stuff for last,” argued Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a vocal advocate for splitting the bill, who dismissed the House’s spending cuts as “fake” .
Moody’s Downgrade Adds Pressure
The urgency to act intensified after Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating Friday, warning of rising deficits fueled by entitlement spending and debt interest. Fiscal conservatives, including Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), vow to oppose the current bill unless it includes deeper spending cuts . Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) insists the package remains on track, but Senate leaders acknowledge the need for flexibility. “If the bill continues to have problems, we could split it up,” said a GOP senator .
What’s Next?
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) hinted at compromise, stating a split bill could “bank” $880 billion in savings from Medicare and SNAP reforms while addressing immediate border and defense needs . However, leadership remains hesitant, with Thune insisting, “That ship has sailed.” As debates drag into summer, the GOP risks missing its window to deliver on Trump’s promises, leaving the party divided and vulnerable to Democratic attacks .
COMMENTS