Donald Trump promised to reform the tax system completely, with his magnificent One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The measure hit big walls and wasn’t able to advance beyond the House’s budget committee. This detailed 1,116-page bill promises an unbelievable $4.9 trillion in free tax breaks. These benefits come at a steep cost, including deep cuts to critical public health programs like Medicaid and a removal of green energy tax incentives established by President Joe Biden.
This One Big Beautiful Bill hopes to bring major tax relief. Its polarizing approach to funding has spurred alarm among congressional appropriators. In exchange, it intends to pay for these new corporate tax breaks by slashing Medicaid funding. This funding is the lifeblood for millions of Americans in crisis right now. More than 42 million Americans benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which allows them to use federal funds for groceries. Last year, fewer than 12% of Americans used SNAP benefits. Remarkably, deep red Alabama and Oklahoma had rates even higher than that.
The bill as proposed would greatly increase work requirements for SNAP recipients. Specifically, it raises this arbitrary age limit from 54 to 64. This nonsensical change would have a dramatic impact on millions of people who rely on this support. Under the new provisions, individual states are now responsible for funding 5% of the costs of these benefits annually. This is a huge jump from their former requirement to only pay for 50 percent of the administrative costs. The new requirement would increase the states’ share to 75%, making the situation even more difficult for local governments.
Trump had given the proposal an enthusiastic endorsement, describing it as “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Yet his Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives could not find the votes to pass the package. Now, key party members have expressed serious concerns about what this bill would mean. They share deep concerns about its impact on vulnerable communities and state fiscal responsibility.
Texas Republican Chip Roy sounded the alarm that legislation was heading in the wrong direction. He stated, “I will be a ‘no’ on this bill unless real reforms are included.”
Other party members voiced similar apprehensions, emphasizing that the proposed cuts risk undermining key support programs at a time when many Americans rely on them. A letter signed by representatives Elise Stefanik, Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota, and Mike Lawler warned that the approach taken in the bill is “not just insulting – it risks derailing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.”
Additionally, some legislators warned of the political repercussions of endorsing such measures. Josh Hawley articulated a stark warning against the proposed changes: “That argument is both morally wrong and politically suicidal.” His comment is indicative of an increasing panic among Republicans. They are concerned that if they support a tax reform measure, they’ll lose the support of their constituents who depend on safety net programs.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, as Trump and his allies are urging members of Congress to pass their tax reform initiative. The One Big Beautiful Bill would make dramatic changes to the tax landscape. Thanks to internal party divisions and a strong pushback from multiple factions in Congress, its fate is in jeopardy.
Lawmakers must now navigate a complex web of financial implications, public sentiment, and party loyalty as they consider whether to support or reject this sweeping legislative proposal. The bill’s inability to move in the budget committee marks a difficult moment for Trump and his administration. They are committed to ensuring that their vision for tax reform is realized.