The Senate passed a budget bill Thursday night, moving Republicans toward the big tax cuts they hope to pass through Congress late this year or early next year. Having cleared this hurdle, they'll only need a simple majority to pass the tax plan. Rand Paul was the lone Republican voting against the budget, contending it didn't include enough spending cuts.

What's next: It currently appears that the House (which already passed a budget) will vote on the Senate budget as a shortcut to the tax push, though that's not a done deal. If the House declines to do so, a compromise would have to be worked out in conference.