The legislation hands the Trump administration a victory in its ongoing power struggle with Congress over federal spending. The bill now heads to the House.
The GOP tax bill is deeply unpopular, but Republicans still have an opportunity to influence public perception because many Americans know little about it.
The pushback follows Trump’s encroachment on almost every congressional prerogative — from taking control of the power of the purse to threatening tariffs.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), appeared to blame the killing of Smith’s friend, Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, on the political left. Smith sought him out to chat.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) said the White House appeared to be retaliating against him for breaking with the president’s agenda at a high-stakes moment.
His private comments to Senate Republicans suggest the benefits for taxpayers in high-tax places could be pared back from the House-passed legislation.
Republicans are rushing to pass President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda, the first big legislative test for the party’s new majority leader, Sen. John Thune.
Allstate and State Farm are facing scrutiny on Capitol Hill for how they handled claims after Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through the Southeast last year.