"One Big, Beautiful Bill" Clears the House

House Speaker Mike Johnson delivers remarks alongside other House Republican leaders after the House passed budget reconciliation legislation at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025.

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)” — known more simply as the “Big Beautiful Bill” — by a narrow vote of 215–214, with one member voting present. Now, the legislation heads to the Senate, where it is expected to encounter further debate and potential amendments.

The bill has been championed by fiscal conservatives and President Trump as a bold, pro-America package that addresses key priorities in a single, comprehensive proposal.

President Trump, accompanied by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., speaks to reporters before a House Republican conference meeting, on May 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

• Key Provisions of the OBBBA:

  • Tax Relief: The bill aims to make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, providing continued tax relief for individuals and businesses. It introduces exemptions for tips and overtime pay, and increases the child tax credit to $2,500 through 2028. Additionally, it raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for taxpayers earning below $500,000.

  • Economic Growth: According to the White House, the bill is projected to boost real wages by up to $3,300 per year and increase take-home pay for median-income households by as much as $5,000 annually. It is also expected to create up to 4.1 million jobs and stimulate GDP growth by 3.3–3.8% in the short term and 2.6–3.2% in the long term.

  • Border Security and Defense: The legislation allocates $70 billion for border security, including $46.5 billion for barriers and $4.1 billion to hire additional Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection officers. It also provides $150 billion in defense spending, funding initiatives such as missile defense systems and naval expansion.

  • Healthcare and Social Programs: The OBBBA introduces work requirements for Medicaid recipients and increases verification processes to ensure eligibility. It also prohibits Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care and restricts funding for nonprofits that provide abortion services.

  
  

While the House victory is significant, the path in the Senate is less certain. Republicans are not entirely united — with moderates and conservatives split on certain fiscal provisions, particularly the depth of spending cuts. Several GOP senators have signaled they’ll seek amendments, which could delay or complicate passage.

Importantly, the bill is being considered under budget reconciliation rules, which means it can pass the Senate with a simple majority — 51 votes — rather than the usual 60 needed to break a filibuster. That makes every Republican vote critical.

For conservatives in Delaware’s 39th District and beyond, the “Big Beautiful Bill” represents a strong stand for smaller government, lower taxes, secure borders, and economic freedom. Its success depends not just on votes in Washington but also on grassroots awareness and support.

A great image from the House Republicans GOP's X account.

Sources: The White House

The National News Desk