NC Sen Tillis says senators should pass the president’s agenda

Changes may come from the U.S. Senate, but extending President Donald Trump's 2017 tax cuts isn’t likely to be one of them.

Sometimes a fly in the ointment of the administration, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., doesn't appear to be this time.

“Republicans must extend the Trump tax cuts and pass the president’s agenda,” the senior senator from the Tarheel State says. “Failure is not an option. Here’s what needs to happen next in the Senate: We will make some improvements to the Big, Beautiful Bill, push for more spending cuts, and get the job done.”

One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as the resolution is known, passed the House of Representatives 215-214 on Thursday with no Democrats for it and Republican Reps. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky against it. Two members of the Grand Old Party did not vote.

“Democrats want to let the Trump tax cuts expire,” Tillis said. “We can’t let that happen.”

Parts of the legislation related to health and food benefits, and to tightening the U.S. border are favored by Republican senators. In some cases, those are intertwined. Incentives considered “green energy” are a hot button topic. So is spending.

Inflation-adjusted to 2024 dollars, the fiscal year 2024 national debt is $35.46 trillion, according to the U.S. government. In 2020, it was $32.67 trillion. In 2016, it was $25.59 trillion. In 2008, it was $14.46 trillion.

Tillis' party is hopeful of getting a signature before Independence Day. The president over the weekend expressed understanding that the bill is not in final form, even giving a nod to agreeing with some changes. Crucial for context is understanding health care discussions, and whether fraud, waste and abuse are being stricken or direct coverage for people.

Republicans have 53 seats in the Senate, Democrats 45, and two are independents caucusing with the minority party.

Tillis, with $4 million cash in hand for a reelection bid in 2026, has taken heat back home in western North Carolina for comments related to the embattled Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He has agreed in principle with Trump on reducing health care costs but not on the means to the end. Tillis was the last to agree for confirmation of Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon. And on a 12-10 GOP majority panel, it was Tillis in the Judiciary Committee who stalled Ed Martin’s confirmation route for a U.S. attorney seat in the District of Columbia.