WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) voiced strong opposition to the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in the House of Representatives, labeling it as “one of the saddest days in modern American history.” The bill, which passed on May 22, 2025, with a narrow vote of 215-214-1, primarily along party lines, aims to implement sweeping changes to U.S. policy, including tax reductions for citizens, cuts to Medicaid funding for illegal migrants, efforts toward energy independence, deportation of illegal aliens, and an increase in the military budget.
Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent advocate for healthcare as a human right and a co-sponsor of the Medicare for All Act of 2021, expressed grave concerns about the bill’s potential impacts. “This is the largest withdrawal and ending of healthcare in America’s history,” she stated, warning that 17 million Americans could lose their Medicaid coverage, and small business owners might face skyrocketing healthcare costs. She further cautioned that the legislation could lead to widespread hunger and illness, describing the situation as “catastrophic” and unprecedented in scale.
The OBBBA’s passage has ignited a fierce debate over its implications for healthcare access and social welfare. Critics, including health policy experts from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, argue that the bill’s provisions to reduce Medicaid costs by cutting off access for illegal migrants could disproportionately harm vulnerable populations. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that the OBBBA would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt by 2034 and cause 10.9 million Americans to lose health insurance coverage, further fueling the controversy.
Supporters of the bill, however, contend that it addresses critical issues such as border security and fiscal responsibility. The legislation’s focus on deporting illegal aliens and achieving energy independence has been praised by some as a step toward reclaiming national sovereignty and reducing dependency on foreign resources.
As the OBBBA moves to the Senate for consideration, its future remains uncertain. The bill’s narrow passage in the House has already led to internal backlash within the Democratic Party, with unanimous opposition from House Democrats. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries attempted to delay the bill’s passage with a record-breaking 8.5-hour speech, highlighting the deep divisions over its content.
Ocasio-Cortez called for “consequences” to the votes supporting the OBBBA, urging voters to recognize the gravity of the situation. “We have to decide if this is just a joke or just for TV or if this is our real lives,” she said, emphasizing the need for accountability in the legislative process.
The ongoing battle over the OBBBA underscores the broader ideological divide in American politics, particularly on issues of healthcare, immigration, and economic policy. As the nation approaches the 2026 and 2028 elections, the bill’s impact on these critical areas will likely remain a focal point of political discourse.