Along with our 250th Independence Day, this weekend marks one year since President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA).
As we said at the time, there’s nothing “beautiful” about this immoral budget bill.
A year later, here’s a look at some of the harms that are unfolding as a result:
A Growing Hunger Crisis: As a result of major cuts made in the OBBBA to food assistance, millions more families are facing each day without enough to eat.
At least four million people have lost the assistance they relied on, many of whom are children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Cutting Healthcare: The OBBBA has pushed millions of our most vulnerable neighbors out of healthcare coverage.
Along with devastating cuts to Medicaid, the elimination of vital Affordable Care Act subsidies has caused healthcare costs to skyrocket for millions, leaving many no choice but to go uninsured.
Harming Our Climate: The OBBBA weakened critical clean-energy investments, increasing household energy costs, threatening jobs, and accelerating harm to the planet we share.
Lawless Immigration Enforcement: While slashing these vital social programs, the OBBBA surged funding for violent and lawless immigration enforcement that is terrorizing families and communities.
The Need for a Moral Budget
As FCNL’s Bridget Moix wrote recently, “Budgets reveal our values. They tell us what we fear, what we protect and what kind of future we are willing to build.”
Our country’s 250th anniversary is a moment to reflect on the progress made, and the work ahead, toward the better future we seek: A just, inclusive society where all voices are heard and valued, and where every person can live lives of dignity and joy.
A moral budget is foundational to that vision, and we’ll keep urging Congress to make funding decisions that reflect the kind of nation we want to be in the years to come.
Elsewhere
Fourth of July Queries
As the United States of America observes our 250th anniversary, we wanted to pose some queries for you to consider this weekend.
- What and who are you celebrating this Fourth of July?
- What are you mourning?
- As we observe Independence Day, how can we recognize our independence and our interdependence with one another?
- Looking forward to the next 250 years, how can we act to reach the world we seek?
- What American ideals speak to you? How have we lived up to our ideals and how have we failed?
Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship
This week, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling recognizing that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship. FCNL’s Bridget Moix and Anika Forrest analyzed and celebrated the decision. This affirms clear law and practice.
By attacking birthright citizenship, President Trump sought to overturn generations of progress toward a more just and inclusive democracy. We will continue to struggle for true belonging and undisputed constitutional protections for all. However human dignity will be challenged in the days ahead, FCNL is committed, as Bridget and Anika wrote, to being “a persistent voice seeking a world where everyone’s dignity is respected, in law and in truth.”
Still Time to Advocate against Bloated Pentagon Budget
The House unexpectedly went on recess this week without voting on a massive $1.15 trillion Pentagon budget. This means that we have valuable time to work against it.
Your call makes a big difference. Call today to urge them to reject this bill – we should spend taxpayer dollars on priorities like food assistance, health care, housing, and foreign aid, rather than weapons and war.
