Senate parliamentarian will dictate the fate of Trump's big spending bill

In early June 2025, U.S. Senate began reviewing President Donald Trump's proposed domestic spending package known as the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill.' This legislation, narrowly passed by the House just weeks earlier, is designed to reshape significant aspects of taxation and spending, aiming to establish Trump's legacy as some senators express concerns over the bill's potential effects on national debt and welfare programs. Using the reconciliation process, Senate Republicans are looking to amend the legislation while meeting the strict criteria set forth by the Byrd Rule. This process involves the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, who will determine the bill's compliance with Senate rules. Her decisions could lead to the exclusion of key provisions if deemed extraneous to the budget. Many senators are worried that the cuts to Medicaid and food aid programs are going to upset their constituents; polls show broad public discontent with these cuts, further complicating the Senate's negotiation landscape. Given the diverse viewpoints within the Republican Party, including pushback from fiscal conservatives and moderates, unity remains a significant challenge. As July 4th approaches, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his allies are under pressure to deliver a bill that satisfies both party factions and hopefully meets with Trump's expectations, despite strong criticism from figures like Elon Musk and dissenting Republicans expressing skepticism about the proposed spending and cuts. The process leading up to finalizing the bill exemplifies the ongoing struggle of navigating between legislative ambitions and grassroots concerns, representing a crucial moment for Trump’s second term efforts.