US House Approves Trump Budget Bill Sparking Medicaid, Tax Cut Debate

The recently passed U.S. budget bill, dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill" by President Donald Trump and supporting Republicans, includes significant tax cuts reminiscent of those from Trump's first term, increased defense and border security spending, and cuts to government healthcare programs such as Medicaid. While Trump praises the bill as potentially historic and beneficial, including salary increases for ICE and Border Patrol agents, it has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Critics warn that the proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts would severely impact millions of Americans, particularly low-income families, children, seniors, and those reliant on rural healthcare and mental health services, with specific concerns raised about Wisconsin's vulnerable populations. The bill's budgetary approach, which seeks to offset tax cuts largely by cutting social programs, is viewed by some as a transfer of wealth favoring the wealthy elite, exacerbating the national debt and risking long-term fiscal instability. Rating agencies have responded negatively to the bill's fiscal implications, stripping the U.S. of its perfect credit rating for the first time in over a century. The debate reflects deep divisions over fiscal priorities, with opponents urging citizens to contact their representatives to oppose cuts that they argue will harm the most vulnerable Americans.