Morning Joe Morning Joe: Marathon Senate vote on Trump's big bill drags out as Republicans struggle to find path to passage
Jul 1, 2025
Sam Stein, Managing Editor at The Bulwark, and Richard Haas, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, delve into the intense 14-hour Senate voting session on Trump's massive tax proposal. They analyze the political maneuvering during the 'votarama,' where key senators navigate risks associated with Medicaid cuts. The discussion also touches on the growing influence of Elon Musk on GOP lawmakers and implications of Trump's foreign policy amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. It's a lively exploration of urgent political dynamics.
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Senate Vote Marathon Unfolds
- The Senate is engaged in a marathon voterama on President Trump's huge tax and spending bill, with uncertainty on when voting will conclude.
- The critical margin is narrow; just four Republican no votes would kill the bill, complicating the path to passage.
Challenges in Senate Voterama
- Voteramas are lengthy and painful processes used to consider amendments and buy time while votes are cobbled together.
- Key senators like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins have concerns, and amendments affecting Medicaid are struggling to find sufficient support.
Trumpism Overrides Fiscal Concerns
- Republican loyalty to Trumpism is overpowering concerns about deficits and Medicaid cuts in the bill.
- Senators may support the bill if it protects their states from worst effects, creating a 'carve-out' dynamic.