June 30, 2025
The Senate is poised for a dramatic "vote-a-rama" session that kicks off in just two hours, with the outcome hanging in the balance. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is in a precarious position as he can afford to lose only one more vote, with Senators Rand Paul and Thom Tillis already voicing their opposition. As Senate GOP leaders rush to secure deals to keep their bill alive, tension mounts with House Republicans drawing firm lines against the current budget framework, particularly over disagreements concerning fiscal policies and a provider-tax crackdown.
The spotlight is on several contentious issues as the amendment votes are set to begin at 9 a.m. One of the most significant battles is over Medicaid, where GOP Senator Rick Scott has proposed to phase out a crucial funding mechanism by 2030—a move supported by Thune in a bid to win over some reluctant Senators. This proposal, however, risks alienating others, making the outcome uncertain. Senator Susan Collins has countered with an amendment aimed at doubling the stabilization fund for rural hospitals to $50 billion, suggesting a new tax bracket for ultra-high earners to foot the bill.
The debates extend to the green sector, where moderates like Tillis and Senator John Curtis are expected to propose amendments softening the bill's harsh cuts to wind and solar energy incentives, a point of contention that could spark clashes with House conservatives and the White House.
Artificial intelligence regulation is also on the table, with Senators Ted Cruz and Marsha Blackburn pushing for a significant cut to the proposed moratorium on state enforcement of AI laws, advocating for internet safety provisions.
As the session nears its climax, a manager's amendment appears to be the last hope for resolving inter-chamber differences and expediting the bill's passage to President Trump by the end of the week, with the House set to vote as early as Wednesday.
Further complicating the landscape is the looming farm bill fight, with Senators facing pressure from agricultural groups to oppose Senator Chuck Grassley's amendment that would limit the income thresholds for farmers receiving federal aid. This amendment has stirred opposition from farm-state GOP Senators and could potentially align liberal and conservative forces in an unusual coalition.
The renewables industry is also in an uproar over new taxes on solar and wind projects that utilize foreign components, which has drawn sharp criticism from both industry leaders and policy experts.
Meanwhile, the political scene is buzzing with upcoming campaign announcements, including Rep. Don Bacon's expected retirement and GOP Rep. Dusty Johnson's anticipated gubernatorial bid in South Dakota.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the vote-a-rama, all eyes are on the Senate chamber, where the outcomes of these debates will shape the political landscape in the days and months to come.