Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Passes Congress Amid Controversy
In a significant political victory for U.S. President Donald Trump, Congress passed the controversial 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' on Thursday. However, while the president and his supporters celebrate the passage of the bill, critics warn of potentially dire economic consequences and social impacts.
Bill Overview
The bill, dubbed by Trump as his big, beautiful bill,
proposes substantial spending of $165 billion on programs such as the deportation of undocumented migrants, tax cuts for the wealthy, and drastic Medicaid cuts. However, the legislation has raised concerns over the long-term debt of the United States, with the bill estimated to increase the debt by over $3.3 trillion for the next decade.
The bill also includes significant changes to social security, with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimating around 10.6 million people will lose their Medicaid healthcare and 8 million people losing their Snap food stamp benefits.
A Divided Congress
The bill's passage through Congress was not without drama. Senate Republicans faced a marathon vote-a-rama,
during which lawmakers could submit an unlimited number of amendments to the bill. While Republicans sought to further mold the bill to sate holdouts, Democrats used the opportunity to introduce amendments designed to weaken or kill the legislation.
The House of Representatives saw a narrow 218-214 vote in favor of the bill. Despite this victory, the debate was characterized by a partisan affair filled with impassioned pleas to either pass or nuke the bill. Only two Republicans – Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania – broke ranks to vote against the legislation.
Global Reactions and Implications
The passage of the bill has elicited reactions globally. Analysts from the South China Morning Post expressed concerns over the reliability of U.S. currency as a safe-haven asset given the country's increasing debt. Reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica highlight the divisive nature of the bill, particularly the proposed tax cuts that weigh heavily on public debt and medical assistance.
Meanwhile, critics from The Guardian have labeled the bill as a 'corrupt kleptocracy,' expressing outrage at the proposed slashes to Medicaid and food stamps. The publication also pointed to the implications for deportation policy, with thousands of new immigration enforcement officers and further construction on the border wall in the pipeline.
Current Status
Despite controversy and criticism, the bill now heads to President Trump's desk, where he is expected to sign it into law on Independence Day. Supporters argue that the bill will turbocharge the economy, root out waste, and make crucial investments in defense and border security. However, critics warn that the bill could permanently weaken the country's economy and disappoint the American working classes. As the consequences of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' unfold, the nation and the world will be watching closely.