Tax Bill Showdown: Senate Advances Controversial Legislation Amid Divisions

Senate Republicans aggressively pushed forward President Donald Trump's ambitious tax cut and spending bill during a marathon weekend session. Despite a bleak forecast from a nonpartisan forecaster, suggesting the bill could add $3.3 trillion to the nation's debt within a decade, the legislation narrowly progressed.

Republicans dismissed the estimates of the Congressional Budget Office, arguing the metrics used were outdated. On the other side, Democrats hope the startling figures will provoke enough concern to sway fiscally minded conservatives to defect.

Discord within the Republican ranks was evident, as Senator Thom Tillis announced he would not seek re-election, influenced by intra-party conflicts. Lawmakers are racing against time as they face a significant deadline to raise the debt ceiling to prevent default on $36.2 trillion in national debt.

(With inputs from agencies.)