The “uncomfortable truth” of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is its projected impact on the national debt, particularly the $3.8 trillion increase estimated by the CBO due to its tax provisions. This fiscal reality is creating significant friction for the bill as it moves to the Senate.
The House-passed legislation, which also includes increased military and border spending and cuts to Medicaid, is moving through the reconciliation process, allowing for a simple majority vote. However, the narrow Republican majority means that concerns about the deficit are uniting a powerful group of dissenting senators.
Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul are at the forefront of this opposition, arguing that the bill is “completely unsustainable” from a fiscal standpoint. Their warnings, amplified by prominent business leaders like Jamie Dimon, underscore a growing anxiety about the long-term economic consequences of unchecked government spending.
Beyond the deficit, the controversial Medicaid cuts, including new work requirements, are also drawing intense scrutiny. The Byrd Rule adds another layer of complexity, as it could strip out non-budgetary provisions related to AI regulations, judicial power, or Planned Parenthood, ensuring the bill’s final form will likely be substantially different.