Trump's tax reform bill was blocked late at night, and the three Republicans' "anti-water" procedural vote was deadlocked

According to the Wall Street Journal, late Saturday night local time, US President Donald Trump's tax and spending super bill was stuck in the Senate, with some Republican lawmakers defecting against advancing the bill and other party colleagues refusing to vote in favor of controversial provisions such as Medicaid and clean energy, leaving the landmark legislation in jeopardy in a procedural vote. After the first round of procedural votes on the "Big and Beautiful" bill lasted about two hours, the vote count is currently frozen at 47 votes in favor and 50 votes against. Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky, Tom Tillis of North Carolina and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin collectively defected from the Republican camp and joined forces with Democrats to vote against it. Vice President Vance rushed to the Senate for a run-off vote, but with Senators Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah and Cynthia Ramis of Wyoming still undecided, it remains to be seen whether Republican leaders can clear the first hurdle to Trump's agenda. Even if successful, the narrow victory has presaged a tougher legislative battle ahead.