One Big Beautiful Bill? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Checking in at 870 pages, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” addresses a multitude of policy issues large and small and has been a challenge even for the most plugged-in policy analysts to follow. Some herald it as a great victory for the “America First” agenda, locking in tax cuts and bringing significant reforms to safety net and other programs. Others have been harshly critical of the bill, pointing out its increase of the debt limit and significant spending components.
At the Pelican Institute, we’ve followed several of the measures closely, but are still dissecting all of what the bill contains. We weighed in on four specific issues, for which the outcomes are a mixed bag:
- We opposed the levying of a graduated tax on charitable foundation assets. Thankfully, that provision was removed.
- We applauded the House measure that closed a “double drawback” tax loophole on tobacco products. The final bill, unfortunately, did not include the measure.
- We opposed a measure that would have required a bond in order to secure a temporary restraining order in lawsuits against the government. That provision was also removed.
- Finally, we strongly supported a state AI regulatory moratorium. Unfortunately, that provision was removed from the final bill.
We’ll continue to highlight the good, the bad, and the ugly as we dig into the final draft. In the meantime, here’s a brief round up of what others had to say:
Cato Institute: Senate Bill Could Increase Debt by $6 Trillion
Tax Foundation: “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Tax Policies: Details and Analysis
Dr. Vance Ginn: One Big Beautiful Bill, Many Big Errors?
The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate: President Donald Trump’s budget bill cuts Medicaid. Here’s what it means for Louisiana.
Alliance for Opportunity: One Big Beautiful Bill takes steps toward a work-first safety net, but states will have to act
