The phrase “completely unsustainable” is echoing through the Senate as President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” arrives, with Republican spending hawks using the strong language to describe the legislation’s projected impact on the national debt. This forceful opposition portends major changes for the House-passed bill.

Utilizing the reconciliation process, the bill bypasses the standard 60-vote threshold in the Senate, allowing for a simple majority vote. However, the slim Republican majority means that senators like Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who are vocally critical of the bill’s financial implications, hold considerable sway.

The Congressional Budget Office’s projection of a $3.8 trillion increase in the national deficit over the next decade, directly attributable to the bill’s tax provisions, is at the heart of their objections. These concerns are further amplified by warnings from prominent business leaders like Jamie Dimon about the potential for a “crisis” in the bond market.

In addition to deficit worries, the proposed cuts to Medicaid, including new work requirements, are also highly controversial. The Byrd Rule introduces another layer of uncertainty, as it could strip out non-budgetary elements such as those pertaining to AI regulations, judicial power, or gun control, potentially requiring the bill to return to the House for re-approval.