The vote tally was 51-49 to proceed with the debate. Senate passage could be days away, and the bill would need to return to the House for more votes before it could reach the White House.

The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate narrowly advanced President Donald Trump's, sweeping tax-cut and spending bill on Saturday, during a marathon weekend session marked by political drama, division and lengthy delays as Democrats sought to slow the legislation's path to passage.

WASHINGTON—The GOP-controlled Senate voted late Saturday to advance President Trump’s tax-and-spending megabill despite two Republican defections, narrowly clearing one procedural hurdle and offering a stark preview of the difficulties party leaders face in passing the sprawling measure.