Senate nears vote on Trump’s budget bill amid GOP divisions and democratic delays

The Senate could vote today on President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget proposal, but the path to passage remains far from certain.

(CNN)- The Senate could vote today on President Donald Trump’s sweeping budget proposal, but the path to passage remains far from certain. Democrats continue to push for delays, flooding the floor with dozens of amendments. They argue Americans deserve more time to understand how the plan would impact them.

“This bill steals people’s healthcare, jacks up their electricity bill, takes away their jobs — all to pay for tax breaks for billionaires,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Republicans, meanwhile, are touting the bill as a cornerstone of their policy agenda. “It addresses military modernization. It addresses securing our border. It addresses restoring energy dominance. It extends tax relief for the American people,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). “I know people are weary.” Still, with a thin margin, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes — and several senators have already come out against the bill.

Sen. Tom Tillis (R-NC) says he’s a no, citing concerns that some qualified Medicaid recipients could lose coverage. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) opposes the measure over deficit concerns, saying it would add trillions to the national debt. And Utah’s Sen. John Curtis has taken issue with new taxes on wind and solar energy. Uncertainty also surrounds Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), both of whom previously broke with their party on Medicaid-related amendments.

If the bill does pass the Senate, it would return to the House — where its future is equally uncertain.

“There’s a lot of us on the House side that are worried about the Senate bill,” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). “I think we’ll have a hard time passing it.”