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The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a significant legislative package aligned with President Donald Trump's agenda, moving the bill to the Senate for further consideration. The legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was approved by a narrow margin of 215-214 votes on May 22.
The bill includes major tax cuts and spending measures that have been both praised and criticized. It aims to implement key elements of Trump's policies on taxes and immigration. However, it has faced opposition due to proposed cuts to Medicaid, drawing concern from various quarters including Catholic leaders.
President Trump expressed his support for the bill on social media platform X, urging the Senate to expedite its passage: “This is arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country!” He called upon senators to send the bill to his desk promptly.
The Congressional Budget Office analyzed that while tax provisions would increase the federal deficit by $3.8 trillion over ten years, proposed reductions in Medicaid and other areas could lead to about $1 trillion in decreased government spending.
Catholic bishops have weighed in on the matter. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated that they sent a letter to Congress acknowledging aspects of the proposal that uphold human life but urged reconsideration of parts potentially detrimental to vulnerable populations.
Mercy Sister Mary Haddad from the Catholic Health Association voiced opposition against certain aspects affecting health coverage: “H.R. 1 would harm critical health and social safety-net programs,” she said. She emphasized concerns about mandatory Medicaid work reporting requirements and potential losses in healthcare coverage for millions reliant on Medicaid.
Conversely, some pro-life organizations welcomed parts of the legislation blocking funds for entities performing abortions. Marjorie Dannenfelser from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America praised this aspect as a move towards halting taxpayer funding for abortion-related services.
Senate Republicans aim to finalize and forward this bill before July 4th.
Kate Scanlon reports nationally for OSV News covering Washington developments.
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