Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump celebrated a significant legislative breakthrough on Saturday, June 29, 2025, as his administration-backed spending bill cleared a critical procedural hurdle in the U.S. Senate. However, Democratic lawmakers have delayed the final vote, raising new questions about the future of Trump’s ambitious fiscal agenda.
Spending Bill Passes Key Senate Cloture Vote
The $1.8 trillion spending package, which addresses federal funding through the 2026 fiscal year, passed a Senate cloture vote early Saturday morning by a narrow 61-39 margin. The bipartisan measure is intended to avert a government shutdown and includes allocations for infrastructure, defense, and expanded child tax credits.
- Infrastructure: $400 billion earmarked for nationwide transportation and energy projects.
- Defense: $850 billion in military funding, aligning with Trump’s push for increased defense spending.
- Social Programs: Expanded child tax credits and modest increases in education funding.
Trump, who has maintained a prominent presence in Republican circles since leaving office, praised the bill's progress on his social media platform Truth Social, calling it a “victory for the American people.”
Democrats Delay Final Passage
Despite the procedural win, Senate Democrats have stalled the final vote, citing concerns over the bill’s immigration provisions and the scale of defense spending. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Democrats are seeking further negotiations on border security funding and stricter oversight of discretionary spending.
“We need to ensure that federal dollars are being used transparently and effectively,” Schumer said during a press briefing. He indicated that final passage could be delayed until next week, as talks continue behind closed doors.
What’s at Stake?
The spending bill is considered a crucial test of bipartisan cooperation in a divided Congress. With the federal fiscal year ending in September, lawmakers face mounting pressure to finalize legislation and prevent a partial government shutdown.
If passed, the bill would mark Trump’s first major legislative achievement since announcing his campaign for a return to the White House in 2024. It is also viewed as a bellwether for future negotiations on tax reform and healthcare funding.
Next Steps
Senate leaders are expected to reconvene on Monday for further discussions. Analysts predict that the final vote may hinge on last-minute amendments, particularly regarding border policy and social spending.
As the political standoff continues, federal agencies and contractors are closely watching for signs of progress, wary of the potential fiscal uncertainty that could result from a prolonged impasse.
