WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted 51-49 to proceed with the Trump budget package that, although fine-tuned slightly, still cuts out medical care for 11.8 million people while extending tax breaks of $3.8 trillion for rich people. Democrats were all opposed. They were joined by Republicans Thom Tillis of North Caolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Wisconsin Ron Johnson, a Republican, had pledged to oppose the Trump bill because it would run the national debt into the stratosphere, but in the end he cowed to Trump pressure. The 51-49 vote was procedural. More Senate action remains. How they voted:

For Trump budget

> Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin

Against

> Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin

> Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota

> Tina Smith, D-Minnesota