Democrats Gear Up for Battle as US Senate Holds ‘Vote-a-Rama’

WASHINGTON, Feb 21, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The US Senate kicked off an all-night "vote-a-rama" on Thursday, with Democrats preparing to introduce hundreds of amendments to a Republican-drafted budget resolution that notably lacks support from former President Donald Trump.

A Rare Opportunity for Political Maneuvering

The vote-a-rama offers a unique opportunity for senators to propose and vote on a wide range of amendments, making it a critical moment for Democrats in the Republican-controlled Senate to put their GOP counterparts on record regarding politically sensitive issues.

Despite these risks, Republicans are determined to push ahead, aiming to secure an early legislative victory for Trump’s second-term agenda. If successful, the resolution could pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold.

Republican Strategy Faces Internal Divisions

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives must still approve the measure before it becomes law. Senate Republicans are focused on passing a partial budget covering border security, defense, and energy, with plans to introduce a separate bill later to address additional funding priorities.

However, this strategy clashes with House Republicans, who favor a comprehensive single-bill approach, including tax cut extensions.

Adding to the tension, Trump himself has publicly opposed the Senate’s approach.

“House Resolution implements my FULL America First Agenda, EVERYTHING, not just parts of it!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. He urged both chambers to pass the House budget to streamline the reconciliation process and consolidate all GOP priorities into a "ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL."

Senate Pushes Forward Despite Trump's Objections

Despite Trump's opposition, Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed determination to move forward.

“Did not see that one coming,” Thune told reporters on Wednesday, but assured that Republicans were still aligned on their broader goals.

Meanwhile, some Republican senators, including Rand Paul of Kentucky, are also planning their own amendments.

"Get your popcorn," Paul wrote on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of the marathon voting session.

With both parties preparing for a night of heated debates and strategic political plays, the outcome of this vote-a-rama could shape the GOP’s legislative roadmap and test Trump’s influence over Congressional Republicans.