Republican Senators to Watch as Upper Chamber Mulls the Big Beautiful Bill

Following its passage by the House of Representatives, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB)—the budget reconciliation package aimed at implementing President Donald Trump’s agenda—is facing scrutiny in the Senate. Several concerns regarding the House-passed package—including its potential impact on the deficit, its increase to the debt ceiling, and others—remain. The Senate is expected to make substantial changes to the House’s version of the bill, leaving the ultimate shape of the package uncertain. Because the legislation is being considered under the reconciliation process, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) will only need a simple majority to pass the final version he brings to the floor. That means he can spare no more than three defections in his 53-seat conference....