GOP’s “Big, Beautiful” Bill Faces Senate Showdown as 2026 Stakes Rise

Byline: American Pulse Staff
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After a weekend marathon on the Senate floor, American Pulse's Dustin Olson joined Newsmax's National Report to break down the GOP’s sweeping new legislation and what the latest American Pulse polling says about voter priorities heading into 2026.

Big Bill, Bigger Stakes

In an effort to delay the vote, Senate Democrats forced the chamber to read the entire 940-page GOP bill aloud—an overnight, 16-hour spectacle that pushed legislative patience to the brink.

As Olson noted, while the bill is complex, it hits core voter concerns.

"It’s not just beautiful, it’s big," he said. "There’s definitely a chance there are things in there that shouldn’t be, but that’s just the legislative process."

Polling Shows Support for Core Issues

In American Pulse’s latest survey, voter focus remains consistent with past trends.

"When we did a pre-inauguration poll asking people what they wanted to see from this new Trump administration, 66% said things like taxes, immigration and border, the economy and inflation, and fighting crime," Olson explained.

He added that the bill on the floor now includes all of those components.

Economic Optimism—But a Warning

Olson emphasized the growing optimism around the economy in recent months—but also warned of the consequences if the GOP fails to pass the bill.

"Beyond what polling shows, the concerns about the economy becoming very positive in the last couple months is the most important thing," he said.

"If Republicans fail, we’ll be looking at the largest tax hike in American history, and the effect that would have on the U.S. economy would be devastating for Republicans in the 2026 midterms."

"Even just stubbing their toe on this and taking longer could have a big impact on them long term."

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