High-Stakes Vote-A-Rama: U.S. Senate Republicans Push Controversial Tax-Cut Bill

On Monday evening, U.S. Senate Republicans were deeply engaged in efforts to advance President Donald Trump's ambitious tax-cut and spending bill. Despite growing internal divisions over the anticipated $3.3 trillion increase to the nation's debt, senators partook in a marathon 'vote-a-rama' session.

This procedural method allows for a series of amendments and circumvents the typical 60-vote requirement in the Senate. With Republicans only being able to afford the defection of three votes, Senate Majority Leader John Thune remained cautiously optimistic about the bill's passage. Meanwhile, Democrats, united in their opposition, hope to sway fiscally conservative Republicans.

Embedded within the bill are significant political issues, including contentious Medicaid funding cuts and increased immigration enforcement measures. The debate continues as the bill must address the looming deadline of a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase to avoid a potential default by the Treasury Department.

(With inputs from agencies.)