Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill': Who is Most Affected by the GOP Budget Plan?
- Author: Erika Thompson
- Posted: 2025-08-26
In a very close vote of 215 to 214, House Republicans approved President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a 1,116-page proposal designed to reshape how taxes and federal spending work in the United States.
Republican leaders are celebrating the bill as a major financial victory, but it passed without support from any Democrats and even faced opposition from a few Republicans within the party.
What the Bill Changes and Who It Will Affect
The bill focuses on permanently keeping the tax cuts introduced in 2017 and makes changes to various programs, including healthcare, food assistance, clean energy, and immigration policy.
While it’s being promoted as a way to make the government operate more efficiently, experts are warning that many of the changes will negatively impact low- and middle-income Americans.
One of the biggest groups affected will be people earning less than $50,000 a year. These individuals may lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year because of reductions in programs like Medicaid (which provides healthcare for low-income Americans), SNAP (food assistance), and financial aid for education.
For example, SNAP could face a $267 billion budget cut, shifting more of the financial burden to state governments. Additionally, stricter work requirements for people up to age 64 could make it harder for many to qualify for the help.
Major Changes to Healthcare
The healthcare sector will see major disruptions under this bill. Medicaid cuts could lead to up to 7.6 million Americans losing their health coverage over the next ten years.
On top of this, companies that manage healthcare plans, like UnitedHealth and Centene, might face new challenges due to enrollment instability and changing costs caused by the bill.
Effects on Education
Students and their families will also feel the impact of the legislation. Loan programs for parents and undergraduate students would be scaled back, and some graduate lending options would be eliminated entirely.
Recent relief policies that made repayment easier would be reversed, leaving borrowers with fewer options.
Renewable Energy Setbacks
Renewable energy industries are not spared either. Tax credits and programs designed to support clean energy development would be reduced, potentially slowing the growth of the sector.
On top of that, new fees on electric vehicles might discourage consumers from buying them. Stocks in renewable energy companies like Enphase and First Solar have already dropped due to investor concerns over the bill’s impact on the industry.
Immigration and Financial Burdens
Undocumented immigrants will face new financial hurdles. The bill proposes charging additional fees for asylum applications and work permits, which could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These added costs might make it harder for immigrants to access legal protections and healthcare services.
Who Benefits?
Although the bill has been described as "beautiful" by its supporters, critics point out that most of its benefits are aimed at wealthier individuals. Meanwhile, millions of Americans in vulnerable financial situations may end up carrying its hidden costs.
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Read more: Unlocking Benefits at 65: A Guide to Government Support for Seniors
