OPINION:
Thousand-page bills have become the norm in Congress. Thanks to the public’s reluctance to grant either party a clear majority, the only way to get legislation through the narrowly divided chambers is to cram every policy priority into a single, must-pass bill.
That’s why the House created the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which sets mandatory spending levels for the year ahead. Speaker Mike Johnson had pledged to transmit the package to the Senate by Memorial Day, and some doubted his ability to meet the ambitious deadline. The Louisiana Republican prevailed on a 215-214 vote, with just two Republican defections.
Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio objected to the lack of restraint. “I’m here to deliver a dose of reality. This bill dramatically increases deficits in the near-term but promises our government will be fiscally responsible five years from now,” Mr. Massie explained on the House floor.
A heavy dose of flimflam is always involved whenever Capitol Hill politicians handle money, and this bill is no exception. Although it would be nice to see a bit more parsimony, the final figures are at least pointed in the right direction, and the alternatives are far worse.
Without this reconciliation measure, we would be back to adopting an endless series of continuing resolutions that perpetuate the reckless priorities of President Biden. No, thanks. America requested a course change in November, and that’s what it will get.
For instance, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act axes the $7,500 subsidy given to rich people who buy electric cars, effective Dec. 31. It also imposes a $250 annual registration fee so owners of Teslas and other plug-in vehicles will contribute to highway repairs otherwise financed by federal gasoline tax revenue.
By making President Trump’s signature first-term tax cuts permanent, the bill should deliver enough economic growth to offset the generous outlays. The measure also adds the promised “no tax on tips” provision, which will mean an extra $1,700 in the pockets of waiters and waitresses who properly report their income.
The education reform provisions are even more aggressive, imposing a levy of up to 21% on the multibillion-dollar endowments of elite universities. Even better, the bill hopes to inspire a nationwide school choice movement by eliminating taxes on contributions to scholarship programs that cover the private school or homeschooling expenses for low-income parents.
Another sign the bill is on the right track is that Democrats are furious that able-bodied, childless adults will have to work if they want to continue receiving subsidized health care under Medicaid. Illegal aliens will no longer receive Medicaid or food stamp benefits.
A significant chunk of the bill’s expenditure, more than $150 billion, is earmarked for Defense Department projects such as the Golden Dome anti-ballistic missile shield. The other big winner is Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who will have the resources required to finish the border wall and hire agents to start rounding up the millions of people trespassing in this country.
Under reconciliation procedures, it takes only a majority in the Senate to send the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to Mr. Trump’s desk. As long as Vice President J.D. Vance is standing by to cast the tiebreaking vote, Republicans can afford three defectors, raising the odds of final passage.
That’s good news. It may not be the best possible bill, but it’s the best we’re going to get.
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