Senate clerks have finally put down the hefty 940-page text of the GOP's proposed megabill after a continuous reading that stretched nearly 16 hours, concluding Sunday afternoon. The session, which started late Saturday night, ended at 3:03 p.m. the following day, marking a significant moment in the legislative process.

The decision by Senate Democrats to enforce the rule that mandates the reading of the bill in its entirety was strategic. They aimed to use this time to spotlight several controversial aspects of the legislation, hoping to sway public opinion and perhaps influence some undecided senators. This move underscores the intense partisan divide and the high stakes involved as the bill progresses through the Senate.

Following the reading, the Senate rules dictate that there will be 20 hours of debate, to be equally divided between the Democrats and Republicans. It is anticipated that Democrats will utilize their entire 10 hours to critique and dissect the bill, while Republicans may use significantly less time, possibly only a few hours. This disparity sets the stage for what will likely be a grueling vote-a-rama session, where a rapid succession of amendments will be proposed and voted on. This session is currently scheduled to begin early Monday morning, although it could be delayed if all senators consent.

The content and fate of the GOP megabill are still very much in flux. Republican leaders are actively negotiating modifications to secure the necessary 51 Senate votes and also ensure passage in the House of Representatives later in the week without further changes. These ongoing negotiations highlight the delicate balance of interests and priorities that must be managed to shepherd such a significant piece of legislation through both chambers of Congress.

Furthermore, the role of the Senate parliamentarian is proving crucial as the legislative language undergoes scrutiny to ensure compliance with the budgetary rules that Republicans are employing to advance the bill with a simple majority, bypassing the need for broader bipartisan support.

As the debate looms and the vote-a-rama approaches, all eyes are on the Senate, where the next steps could significantly shape the political landscape and impact the legislative agenda moving forward.