The Republican senator tried to explain why she advanced a far-right megabill despite serious reservations, but her reasoning doesn’t make sense.

Focus was then squarely on Murkowski, whose vote could have tanked the entire bill. But former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell came up to sit next to her. The two talked quietly and then shook hands. When her name was called, Murkowski quietly said "Aye."

Senate passes "big, beautiful bill" after negotiations with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who secured benefits for Alaska including food assistance protections.