(MENAFN) On Saturday, the U.S. Senate took a crucial procedural step by narrowly advancing President Donald Trump’s expansive tax-cut and spending legislation, moving closer to passing it before the July 4 recess.

The 940-page measure, officially named the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, cleared a tense 51-49 vote late Saturday night, paving the way for full Senate debate.

The legislation seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts, reduce various taxes, and increase funding for the military and border security. To balance the revenue shortfall, it proposes significant cuts to Medicaid, food stamps, renewable energy programs, and other social welfare initiatives.

The vote came after prolonged, behind-closed-doors negotiations as GOP leaders and Vice President JD Vance worked to solidify the party’s slim Senate majority. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin shifted from opposing to supporting the bill following private talks.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina was one of two Republicans voting against the bill, citing Medicaid cuts that would severely impact his state. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky also opposed the legislation, condemning its plan to raise the national debt ceiling by $5 trillion.

Democrats expressed strong resistance, arguing the bill disproportionately favors wealthy Americans while undermining low-income communities. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer slammed Republicans for hastening the process, demanding the entire bill be read aloud on the Senate floor before debate.

"If Senate Republicans won't tell the American people what's in this bill, then Democrats are going to force this chamber to read it from start to finish," Schumer declared.

Following Saturday’s vote, senators face expected overnight debates and a prolonged amendment battle in the days ahead. Should the bill pass the Senate, it will return to the House for a final vote before heading to the White House.

Elon Musk, former head of the Department of Government Efficiency and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, reaffirmed his opposition on Saturday via X, warning the bill would "destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country."

"It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future," he added.

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