Senate Republicans Propose Medicaid Cuts; Senate Votes on Trump's Budget Bill
Key Takeaways
- Trump's healthcare bill could cause 11.8M Americans to lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.
- Trump's tax bill passed, increasing SALT deduction to $40K, debt ceiling by $5T.
- Supreme Court allows Trump's birthright citizenship policy in 28 states.
- Trump suggests lifting Iran sanctions for peace, mentions potential destruction of nuclear facilities.
- Senate considers sanctions on nations buying Russian energy, backed by Trump.
Top Stories
Senate Republicans propose Medicaid cuts in Trump's healthcare bill.
In late June 2025, Senate Republicans proposed amendments to Donald Trump's healthcare bill, focusing on Medicaid cuts, potentially removing 663,000 North Carolina residents from their healthcare plans. The bill could cause 11.8 million Americans to lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.
Senate votes on Trump's budget bill, potentially impacting healthcare.
The US Senate is expected to vote on Donald Trump's budget bill, which includes tax credits and billions for defense, with the CBO estimating it will increase public debt by over $3.3 trillion by 2034 and cause 11.8 million Americans to lose health insurance coverage. Republicans are divided over proposals to reduce spending on Medicaid and food assistance programs.
Senator Tillis to retire after opposing Trump's tax bill.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced he will not seek re-election after opposing Trump's tax bill, citing a difficult political environment and his desire to spend more time with his family. The CBO estimated the bill could cause nearly 12 million Americans to lose health insurance.
Trump's tax bill passes Senate, impacting EV and renewable energy.
President Trump's tax bill, passed by the Senate with a 51-49 vote, increases the state and local tax (SALT) deduction limit to $40,000 until 2029 and accelerates the reduction of tax credits for electric vehicles, solar, and wind energy. The bill also includes an increase in the debt ceiling by $5 trillion.
Supreme Court rules on Trump's birthright citizenship policy.
On June 28 and 29, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled on President Trump's birthright citizenship policy, siding with the Trump administration and allowing the policy to be enforced in 28 states that did not challenge it. The policy restricts birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented or temporary visa holders.
Trump suggests lifting sanctions on Iran.
Donald Trump suggested lifting economic sanctions on Iran if they demonstrate a commitment to peace, mentioning the potential for the complete destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US military. Trump stated he would consider removing sanctions if Iran ceased harmful actions.
Senate considers bill on sanctions against Russia.
US senators are considering a bill to impose sanctions on countries that purchase oil, gas, uranium, and petroleum products from Russia, with import duties of up to 500% proposed. The bill, aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, has Donald Trump's backing, and the US Senate will begin consideration of a bill on new sanctions against Russia in July.
Capitol Hill
Heckler interrupts Senate debate on Trump's bill.
On June 29, 2025, a heckler interrupted the Senate debate on President Donald Trump's bill, which aimed to increase the US debt ceiling. The 940-page bill was narrowly advanced by Republicans, and Trump set a July 4 deadline for its passage.
Climate Action
UN expert calls for criminal penalties for fossil fuel disinformation.
On June 30, 2025, UN expert Elisa Morgera called for criminal penalties for fossil fuel disinformation and a ban on industry lobbying. The report highlights the fossil fuel industry's negative impact on human rights, with the industry earning trillions in profits in 2023.
Global Stage
Trump urges Gaza ceasefire; Israeli strikes kill dozens.
On June 29, 2025, Donald Trump urged progress in ceasefire talks for Gaza. Israel ordered evacuations and launched airstrikes, resulting in at least 60 Palestinian deaths on Saturday and Sunday, with over 56,000 deaths in total since the war began.
Germany reaffirms support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
On June 30, 2025, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Kyiv to reaffirm Germany's support for Ukraine, including military and economic aid. Germany is working with the EU and G7 on new sanctions against Russia.
Tehran holds state funeral for officials killed in Israeli attacks.
In Tehran, a state funeral honored military and scientific figures killed in Israeli attacks, with at least 60 high-ranking officials killed and over 600 people killed and 4,900 injured. President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi attended, but Supreme Leader Khamenei was absent.
UN calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation. He referenced the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, giving 'cause for hope'.
Colombian President regrets appointing former Foreign Minister.
On June 30, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed regret for appointing former Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, who allegedly tried to depose him with U.S. support. Leyva, disqualified since 2024, accused Petro of drug addiction and criticized officials.
Colombia's Congress approves pension reform.
Colombia's Congress approved pension reform, aiming to strengthen Colpensiones and ensure payments for those without sufficient savings. The reform addresses procedural errors identified by the Constitutional Court, with the government estimating 2.6 million older adults will benefit.
Trump criticizes Netanyahu's corruption trial.
Donald Trump criticized Israel's corruption trial against Prime Minister Netanyahu, calling it a 'witch hunt.' Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, which he denies.
Iranian cleric threatens Trump.
On June 29, 2025, Iranian cleric Nasser Makarem Schirasi indirectly threatened Donald Trump, stating that threats against Iran's leader Ali Khamenei are punishable by death. This followed Trump's remarks where he mentioned Khamenei as an easy target.
Global changes under Trump.
The world is experiencing a phase of profound and turbulent change, marked by the rise of China and the transformation of the US under Trump.
Immigration Issues
Senator Mullin on deportation of children of undocumented immigrants.
Local Front
Trump and NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani dispute.
On June 29, 2025, Donald Trump and NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani engaged in a verbal dispute, with Trump labeling Mamdani a "pure communist" and threatening to withhold federal funding. Mamdani, identifying as a democratic socialist, denied the communist label.
Policy Insights
Senate bill proposes changes to energy tax credits.
A U.S. Senate bill proposes significant changes to energy tax credits, aiming to accelerate the phase-out of incentives for solar and wind projects and offering a new tax break for coal production. The bill would also impose a new tax on wind and solar projects completed after Dec. 31, 2027, if they cannot prove they have not used any Chinese components.
Trump's foreign policy described as 'purposeful strategic ambiguity'.
President Trump's foreign policy, particularly concerning Iran, NATO, and Russia, is described as 'purposeful strategic ambiguity,' aiming to be respected by world leaders, according to the White House.
White House Updates
Trump's recent successes.
Reports highlighted Donald Trump's recent successes, including the Iran-Israel ceasefire, NATO allies agreeing to allocate 5% of GDP to defense, and the Supreme Court concluding its term. The target story also mentions the passing of a key bill in the Senate and the upcoming mutual tariff agreement as a potential variable.
Trump discusses US operation targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
In June 2025, Donald Trump discussed the US operation targeting Iranian nuclear sites, referencing a 12-day operation. The US conducted a single attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities.