First Thing: Senate Republicans pass Trump’s sweeping policy bill, clearing major hurdle

Legislation now goes to the House where it is unclear if the changes will be accepted. Plus, the heatwave scorching Europe

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Good morning.

Senate Republicans passed a major tax and spending bill demanded by Donald Trump yesterday, ending weeks of negotiations over the comprehensive legislation and putting it another step closer to enactment.

What was the significant opposition to the bill? In the lead-up to its passage, several moderate Republicans indicated unease over its cuts to the social safety net. They included Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

What happens next? It still has to be voted on by the House of Representatives, where it is unclear whether changes made by the Senate will be accepted. Although Republicans control both houses, factionalism in the lower chamber is particularly intense, with rightwing fiscal hardliners demanding deep spending cuts and moderates wary of dismantling safety-net programs.

What's the latest in the conflict? The bombing of Gaza continues, with Israeli strikes killing at least 14 people on Wednesday at the time of writing, Gaza's civil defence agency said.

This is a developing story. Follow our live coverage here.