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The U.S. bishops' conference has expressed mixed reactions to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, currently under Senate consideration. This bill aims to advance key elements of President Donald Trump's legislative agenda.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), highlighted both commendable aspects and areas needing improvement within the bill. "The bishops are grateful that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes provisions that promote the dignity of human life and support parental choice in education," Archbishop Broglio stated. However, he emphasized the need for Congress to ensure consistency in protecting human life and dignity by making significant changes to safeguard those most vulnerable.
A letter from the USCCB dated June 26 commended a provision in the bill aimed at defunding Planned Parenthood but criticized other sections that could increase taxes on low-income individuals while providing substantial tax cuts for wealthier citizens. The letter warned, "Because of this, millions of poor families will not be able to afford life-saving healthcare and will struggle to buy food for their children. Some rural hospitals will likely close."
Additionally, concerns were raised about environmental impacts, with potential cuts predicted to harm both ecosystems and economic opportunities while reducing resilience against extreme weather conditions.
The USCCB's communication stressed that anticipated reductions in House and Senate bills might lead millions to lose health insurance and face hunger challenges. "These provisions are unconscionable and unacceptable," it stated.
In its appeal for substantial amendments, the USCCB outlined nine guiding principles: protecting human life and dignity; caring for the poor; supporting family formation; ensuring adequate revenue without compromising poverty programs; maintaining tax code progressivity; encouraging charitable contributions; endorsing parental educational choices; including immigrant families; and safeguarding energy resources and environments.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV on politicians' duty to promote common good, Archbishop Broglio remarked, "This bill does not answer this call." He added that it disproportionately favors wealthy individuals at the expense of social safety nets like nutrition assistance and Medicaid while failing to protect families through restrictive immigration policies.
"I underscore what my brother bishops said in their recent letter to find a better way forward," urged Archbishop Broglio, calling on senators to act courageously and creatively in upholding fundamental values such as human dignity and common good.
President Trump has encouraged Senate passage of this legislation by July 4.
