WASHINGTON D.C. July 02, 2025 – The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative proposal aimed at reshaping U.S. fiscal policy, has ignited a fierce political battle, with critics decrying its potential to harm vulnerable Americans while proponents argue it addresses critical economic challenges. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has labeled the bill a “deal with the devil,” pointing to its proposed cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, alongside significant tax breaks for billionaires like Elon Musk.
The bill, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year, has been projected by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to lead to 10.9 million Americans losing health insurance by 2034, a figure that has intensified the debate over its impact on healthcare access. Ocasio-Cortez’s criticism centers on the bill’s provision to reduce federal spending on SNAP by $267 billion over 10 years, a move she argues will exacerbate food insecurity, especially as grocery prices continue to rise.
Senate Republicans have advanced a version of the bill that extends provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but it faces stiff opposition due to its potential to widen income inequality and increase the national debt by nearly $4 trillion. Critics, including progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups, argue that the bill prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy over the needs of low-income families, potentially undoing decades of progress in social safety nets.
Adding to the controversy, the bill includes a provision to block funding for enforcing contempt of court orders, a move that has been criticized for potentially undermining the rule of law. This aspect, combined with the broader policy changes, has led to accusations that the legislation is more about political retribution than fiscal responsibility.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, the debate continues to rage, with stakeholders on all sides weighing the trade-offs between economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social equity.