As the sun rose over Washington on Tuesday, senators faced frigid temperatures inside the United States Senate chamber, donning blankets and sweatshirts. They had been engaged in an all-night debate on significant legislation tied to President Trump’s domestic agenda, which includes substantial tax reductions and social program cuts that could impact Americans and the nation’s fiscal stability for years to come.
The debate, extending into a third day, saw lawmakers struggling to stay alert. Shortly after 7 a.m., Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana humorously announced the withdrawal of an amendment he had proposed, contributing to the exhausted atmosphere filled with laughter among colleagues.
The Senate's "vote-a-rama," a series of rapid votes leading up to budget-related measure approvals, began on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. By dawn on Tuesday, over 45 votes had occurred, but a timeline for final passage remained unclear, although a record for the most active vote-a-thon in history had been set.
Senator John Thune, the Republican majority leader from South Dakota, worked throughout the night to garner support for the 940-page bill, aiming to deliver it to the House before President Trump's July 4 deadline. Thune was seen on the Senate floor early in the morning with a red drink, which drew scrutiny from Democrats regarding Senate rules on permissible beverages.
As Thune negotiated with Republican holdouts, senators, many of whom are over 65 years old, adapted to the grueling schedule by eating Chinese food overnight and ordering McDonald's breakfast sandwiches in the morning. Meanwhile, reporters in the press gallery struggled to stay awake, while Senate pages brought in large coffees for the weary senators.
Before dawn, Senators Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee briefly stepped outside to take a photo of the morning sky. As the day began, parked cars awaited to transport senators home for the Independence Day holiday.
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania expressed his frustration to reporters about missing his family's beach trip, indicating his intention to vote "no" on the Republican bill, as all Democrats were expected to do. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire lamented whether she could catch a later flight amidst the ongoing debate.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, one of the Republicans opposed to the bill, waved to a camera, explaining the gesture was for his grandchildren. Meanwhile, Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma engaged his social media followers with a virtual tour of the Capitol, showcasing various features of the building.
Some senators exited the chamber to change clothes, while others seemed exhausted, with Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the oldest member of Congress at 91, sitting on the chamber floor in a moment of respite. The Senate chamber was kept notably cool to combat the summer heat and maintain alertness among sleep-deprived lawmakers.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a key Republican holdout, wrapped herself in a thick blanket while remaining attentive, and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska had a similar blanket. Meanwhile, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa celebrated her 55th birthday during the extended proceedings, but no birthday song was sung, and the timeline for final votes remained uncertain.