Congress Scrambles to Finalize Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” Ahead of July 4 Deadline

June 28, 2025

With just days left before the self-imposed July 4th deadline, Senate Republicans are racing against the clock to finalize and pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and immigration reform package, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

Despite signs of progress and growing optimism, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged on Friday that a few critical hurdles remain — including key rulings from the Senate parliamentarian and delicate vote math — before the legislation can clear the upper chamber.

Senate Republicans Push for Weekend Vote

On Friday afternoon, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Senate Republicans behind closed doors, calling the bill “the single most important economic thing we’re going to do this year.”

“We are very, very close to closing that issue out,” Speaker Johnson told reporters, referencing ongoing negotiations over the bill’s contentious state and local tax (SALT) provision.

Originally, the Senate was expected to begin procedural voting on Saturday. However, as of Friday evening, the timeline began to slip. Instead of a noon start, the Senate will reconvene at 2 p.m., with no confirmed vote time.

Should the Senate move forward, lawmakers will enter up to 20 hours of debate, equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, followed by a flurry of amendment votes — before potentially voting on final passage by Sunday night.

Parliamentarian Ruling Complicates Path Forward

The effort hit a significant snag Thursday when the Senate parliamentarian rejected a Medicaid-related provision, striking a blow to GOP negotiators. With no Democratic support expected, Thune can only afford to lose three Republican votes to pass the bill.

“It all depends… we’ve got a few outcomes from the parliamentarian we’re waiting on,” Thune said. “If those land favorably, we’ll be ready to go.”

House Ready to Act

While the Senate navigates the final stages, the House stands ready to act once the bill passes the upper chamber. Speaker Johnson emphasized that the House has “no plans to delay” and will interrupt its Independence Day recess if necessary.

“The House is ready to act as soon as the Senate does,” Johnson said Friday, reinforcing the July 4 target.

A formal notice sent to House members indicated that votes on the bill would occur next week, pending Senate approval. Lawmakers were told they would receive at least 48 hours’ notice before being called back to Washington.

Trump: “No Vacations Until It’s Done”

President Trump has been unrelenting in his push to meet the holiday deadline. After briefly suggesting the timeline might slip, he quickly doubled down in a social media post, writing:

“The House of Representatives must be ready to send it to my desk before July 4th — We can get it done.”

Speaking from the White House briefing room, Trump praised congressional progress but warned lawmakers not to take a break until the bill is finalized.

“To my friends in the Senate, lock yourself in a room if you must, don’t go home, and GET THE DEAL DONE THIS WEEK,” he wrote on his platform, urging coordination with House Republicans.

A Monumental Legislative Package

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is a central pillar of Trump’s 2025 legislative agenda. It combines major tax reforms — including rate cuts and corporate incentives — with controversial immigration provisions, such as expedited deportation policies and expanded border enforcement.

The legislation has drawn fierce criticism from Democrats and mixed reactions from some moderate Republicans, especially over the immigration sections and Medicaid changes.

Yet, with the holiday deadline looming and pressure mounting from the White House, GOP leaders are hopeful that a final version can emerge by the weekend — setting up a dramatic showdown just in time for Independence Day.

What’s Next?

• Senate procedural vote: Possibly Saturday or Sunday

• 20 hours of debate + amendment process

• Final Senate vote: Targeting Sunday

• House vote: Expected early next week

• Bill to President Trump’s desk: Before July 4, if all goes as planned

Stay with us for updates as Congress pushes toward one of the most consequential votes of the year.