📉 Key Provisions Scrapped
On June 26, 2025, Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that several Medicaid reform provisions in the bill could not pass via the reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority. These measures, including changes to federal funding for states’ provider taxes and limiting Medicaid eligibility for non-citizens, now require 60 votes, making their passage through the Senate unlikely .
💰 Fiscal Conservatives Revolt
Elon Musk, a significant financial backer of Trump’s 2024 campaign and former advisor on government efficiency, has sharply criticized the bill. He called it a “disgusting abomination” and warned that it would add $2.5 trillion to the federal deficit, burdening American citizens with unsustainable debt . His comments have resonated with some fiscal conservatives, adding pressure on Senate Republicans to reconsider their support.
🏛️ Political Fallout
The bill has already passed the House of Representatives but faces significant challenges in the Senate. Some Republicans, like Senator Ron Johnson, have expressed concerns about the bill’s impact on the deficit, while others, such as Senator Roger Marshall, have called for MacDonough’s removal. Meanwhile, MAGA-aligned House Republicans, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Greg Steube, have expressed outrage, accusing the unelected parliamentarian of derailing their agenda .
🗳️ What’s Next?
With the Senate split 53-47 in favor of Republicans and the reconciliation rules governed by the Byrd Rule, Vice President JD Vance lacks the power to overrule the decision. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the ruling as a setback but expressed hope the bill will be finalized by July 4 .
🔍 Final Take
The “Big, Beautiful Bill” has become a lightning rod for debate over fiscal responsibility, healthcare access, and the role of unelected officials in shaping policy. As the Senate prepares to address the bill, its fate remains uncertain, with both political and procedural challenges ahead.