Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” on Thursday, marking a significant legislative victory for President Donald Trump and House Republicans. The bill, which includes sweeping tax cuts, border security measures, and a novel savings program for newborns, now heads to the Senate amid both celebration and criticism.
The legislation, which passed with strong Republican support under the leadership of House Speaker Mike Johnson, introduces a range of economic and security reforms. Key provisions include eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, offering tax deductions for purchasing American-made vehicles, and establishing “TRUMP Savings Accounts” that deposit $1,000 for children born between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2029.
According to a report from The New York Times, these accounts will be invested in financial markets, allowing withdrawals later for expenses like college tuition or home purchases. The bill also allocates pay raises for ICE and Border Patrol agents, alongside funding for the “Golden Dome,” a $175-billion missile defense shield aimed at countering threats from nations like China and Russia.
President Trump hailed the bill’s passage in a post on X at 13:44 UTC, calling it “arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country.” He urged the Senate to act swiftly, emphasizing the need to secure the border and deliver economic relief to Americans. The White House echoed this sentiment in a statement on May 19, noting that the bill “cuts taxes for ALL Americans, secures the border, and stands up to the woke mob by empowering parents and protecting women and children.”
However, the bill has sparked sharp debate. Critics, including some X users, raised concerns about its potential economic impact. Brian Krassenstein, in a reply to Trump’s post, warned that the legislation could strip healthcare from 14 million Americans and increase the national debt by $4 trillion, urging readers to “check the bond market.” Ron Smith, another X user, echoed this, arguing that the bill “will enrich the wealthy, hurt the middle class, and explode the deficit.” The Congressional Budget Office has also cast doubt on the Golden Dome program, estimating its cost could balloon to $831 billion over two decades, far exceeding the initial $175-billion projection cited by Reuters on May 21.
Supporters, meanwhile, see the bill as a transformative step. Devin Allen, an X user, praised the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime as “one of the best things to happen to the middle class in the 21st century,” while the Business Roundtable’s President and COO, Kristen Silverberg, called it a “pro-growth tax system” in a statement on May 19. The LIBRE Initiative highlighted its potential to benefit the Latino community, and the America First Policy Institute described it as a conservative win that delivers on long-standing promises.
The bill’s border security measures have also drawn attention. NumbersUSA, in a statement cited by the White House, noted that “for decades Congress has promised to secure the border and failed to deliver,” suggesting that H.R. 1 could finally address this issue.
However, some X users, like Cryptid Politics, criticized the tax cuts on tipped income as unfair, demanding similar relief for salaried workers.
As the bill moves to the Senate, its fate remains uncertain. Republican lawmakers have proposed a $25-billion initial investment for the Golden Dome as part of a $150-billion defense package, but Reuters reports that this funding is tied to a contentious reconciliation process.
Wall Street Apes, an X user, warned of potential resistance from “RINOs in the Senate” who might block Trump’s agenda to appease lobbyists. Additionally, some seniors expressed disappointment, with user TheFiftyUnited noting that the bill fails to eliminate taxes on Social Security, a promise Trump had previously made.
The passage of H.R. 1 marks a pivotal moment in Trump’s second term, but its journey through the Senate will likely test the unity of his party and the feasibility of his ambitious agenda. For now, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” remains a lightning rod for both hope and contention in Washington.
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