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Murkowski’s Crucial ‘Yes’ Pushes Trump’s Spending Bill Through Senate

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska cast the pivotal vote Tuesday night that allowed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending bill to narrowly pass the Senate. The controversial legislation cleared the chamber 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie after three Republican senators defected and all Democrats opposed the bill.

Despite her reservations, Murkowski backed the bill after securing critical exemptions for Alaska, including a two-year reprieve from harsh food stamp restrictions and increased federal funding for rural hospitals.

Alaska Carveout: A Deal with Strings

Before her vote, Murkowski negotiated a provision that exempts states with the highest Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rates — which includes Alaska — from new federal cuts to food assistance for a two-year period.

The senator acknowledged her discomfort with the overall bill, stating:

“Do I like this bill? No. But I tried to take care of Alaska’s interests.”

Alaska has a uniquely high dependency on SNAP, with over 10% of its population relying on the program in 2024, and it holds the highest payment error rate in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Murkowski also pointed to other victories she secured in the bill for Alaska, including additional healthcare funding for isolated communities and protections for indigenous services and energy projects.

GOP Infighting and Political Fallout

The senator’s decision drew sharp criticism from members of both parties. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) accused Republican leadership of choosing “pork and subsidies for Alaska” over fiscal responsibility, claiming his own calls for debt reduction were ignored.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) slammed Murkowski’s ambivalence.

“If you really believe this bill isn’t ready, why the hell did you vote for it?” McGovern asked.
Goldman posted: “Murkowski votes yes and hopes it doesn’t pass ... Words don’t matter. Votes do.”

Murkowski, visibly frustrated, dismissed accusations that her vote was a “bailout” for Alaska:

“I find that offensive. I have an obligation to the people of the state of Alaska, and I live up to that every single day.”

What’s in the Bill: A Contentious Mix

The bill, often referred to by Trump as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” combines deep tax cuts for high earners with sharp reductions to federal programs such as Medicaid, food assistance, and renewable energy subsidies.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation would add $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade while phasing out electric vehicle tax credits and gutting support for clean energy development.

The measure must now return to the House of Representatives for final passage, where Speaker allies are pushing for a vote before the July 4th holiday, in line with Trump’s public deadline.

A Political Gamble

Murkowski’s decision represents a high-stakes political gamble. As one of the most moderate Republicans in the Senate — and someone who has clashed with Trump in the past — her vote may alienate both conservatives and progressives.

Despite voting “yes,” she expressed hope that the House would further revise the bill, saying:

“We do not have a perfect bill by any stretch of the imagination. My hope is that the House is going to look at this and recognize that we’re not there yet.”

Her stance has sparked national debate over whether lawmakers should vote for flawed legislation simply to secure local wins — and whether such tradeoffs help or hinder long-term policy integrity.