JD Vance Secures Trump’s Biggest Legislative Win Yet
Vice President JD Vance just came through in the clutch, breaking a 50-50 deadlock in the Senate that pushed President Trump’s long-awaited One Big, Beautiful Bill across the finish line. The historic tie-breaker came after a 27-hour legislative marathon full of backdoor negotiations, fierce debates, and some very public disagreements among Republicans.
Oop! Donald Trump Says He Will ‘Take a Look’ at Deporting Elon Musk as Feud Reaches New Height
The bill, which critics call extreme and supporters hail as revolutionary, had GOP leaders scrambling. Senators Thom Tillis, Rand Paul, and Susan Collins voted against it. All Democrats opposed it too, leaving the outcome hanging by a thread.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski from Alaska became the wild card. She was deeply concerned about the bill’s massive cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, which she believed would devastate rural Alaskans. At one point, she was overheard telling someone over the phone that the bill could harm “the vulnerable.” That quote alone had folks watching her every move.
With Collins firm on her no vote and Murkowski still undecided, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo got to work trying to bring her on board. They offered protections for Alaska’s Medicaid and SNAP recipients, but Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough blocked their proposals under the Byrd Rule.
Despite the setbacks, Republicans made a bold move — doubling the rural hospital relief fund from $25B to $50B. That sealed the deal for Murkowski. And when it came time to break the tie, Vance stepped in and made history.
Inside the 27-Hour Senate Showdown
The bill nearly collapsed under pressure. What went down in the Capitol over that 27-hour stretch wasn’t just politics — it was theater. It started at 9:30 a.m. on Monday and didn’t let up until Tuesday evening.
Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska said Republicans submitted four separate Medicaid proposals to MacDonough, and she rejected them all. “We were trying everything,” one GOP aide reportedly said. “It was like trying to squeeze water from a rock.”
The solution? Shift gears and put big money behind rural health care to make up for Medicaid losses — a move that could resonate with conservative voters outside of Alaska too.
While negotiations played out behind closed doors, cameras outside the Capitol captured tense moments. At one point, reporters swarmed Murkowski as she moved quickly through a hallway, clearly dodging the media circus.
The final vote was electric. Vance walked into the chamber like he knew the weight of what was about to go down. And just like that, he dropped the gavel on a 50-50 vote with a resounding “yes.”
What’s Actually In Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’?
The One Big, Beautiful Bill isn’t just a name for the headlines — it’s packed with sweeping changes. Key provisions include:
Massive tax cuts for working-class families
Elimination of select environmental regulations
Big-time reductions in federal food aid and Medicaid spending
Billions allocated to border security and infrastructure
Major deregulation for small business owners.
For Trump supporters, it’s the realization of campaign promises dating back to 2016. But for critics, it’s a gut punch to the country’s most vulnerable. Democrats have already announced they’ll challenge several parts of the bill in court.
Political analysts say this is Trump flexing hard in his second term — and with Vance as his Vice President, the administration isn’t holding back.
The Stakes for 2026 and Beyond
This vote isn’t just about one bill. It’s a preview of what’s to come. Republicans are now talking about using the same reconciliation tactic to push through more controversial reforms — including education cuts and nationwide abortion restrictions.
Sen. Thune told reporters, “This is just the beginning.” Vance’s tie-breaker might’ve been the win they needed to build serious momentum heading into midterms.
With Trump eyeing sweeping executive orders next, and Vance building his own political capital, things are about to heat up in D.C.