Politics

The American Senate passed Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”, a colossal piece of legislation containing trillions of dollars in tax reductions, billions in spending on border security and swingeing cuts to welfare programmes and clean-energy projects. The bill passed by 51-50 votes, with J.D. Vance, the vice-president, casting the tie-breaking vote. Mr Trump then set about cajoling a few wavering Republicans in the House of Representatives who were opposed to the bill because it adds $3.4trn to budget deficits over the next ten years.