One Big Beautiful Bill, One Big Step Backward

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), is in a very critical stage right now as the Trump administration hopes to pass through both chambers of Congress by July 4, 2025.

But the path is far from smooth. On May 22, the House narrowly approved the bill by just one vote (215–214). Since then, opposition has been growing.

Recently, the Senate Committee on Finance released its draft version, removing a controversial tax on large philanthropic foundations that would have reduced nonprofit funding. While nonprofits may welcome this change, the rest of the bill still delivers big tax cuts for the wealthy contrasted by deep cuts for the vulnerable.

What Does This Mean for Families?
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the House version, and the current Senate version  would slash Medicaid spending by about $800 billion over the next decade. The Commonwealth Fund warns that 1 in 5 children could lose Medicaid coverage. The bill would also allow states to impose stricter work requirements on Medicaid recipients as young as 19.

In Oregon, Medicaid enrollment could drop by 19%, the second highest decline in the country, tied with Kentucky and just behind Virginia at 21%. Despite these projections, House Speaker Mike Johnson continues to deny that the bill cuts Medicaid.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is also at risk, with more than $290 million in proposed cuts. This could jeopardize food security for over 15 million children nationwide. This would also leave kids vulnerable to also lose access to free and reduced lunch, a program that 49% of Oregon students grades k-12 qualify for. 

Ironically, even with these cuts, the bill would increase the federal deficit by $2.77 trillion over the next ten years, because the tax breaks mostly benefit America’s wealthiest. Such extreme  debt like this can lead to higher interest rates, reduced funding for public services, and future tax hikes.

Impacts on Generational Poverty

If passed, the OBBBA would not only cause immediate harm but also deepen generational poverty for years to come. Generational poverty happens when families remain trapped in poverty for two or more generations. This mainly stems because they lack stable jobs, education, housing, or health care. Without Medicaid and SNAP, children are more likely to grow up in households that struggle to afford doctor visits, nutritious food, or a safe place to live. These early disadvantages make it harder for kids to integrate in society, perform well academically, stay physically and mentally healthy, all things that contribute  to having a stable adult life. Cutting these essential supports now will make it even harder for struggling families to break free from this cycle, locking entire communities into long-term hardship and inequality. While the OBBA doesn’t have an expiration date, it does determine the budget for at least 10 years in the future. 

What Happens Next?

The bill must pass the Senate and then return to the House for final approval before it reaches the President’s desk. With two GOP Senators, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), already opposed due to its fiscal implication, just one more dissenting vote could stop it.

Rose Haven Urges Congress to Reject the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

If passed, this bill would slash funding for Medicaid and SNAP, stripping away essential health care and food support from millions. For people already on the edge, losing these lifelines means a higher risk of falling into poverty and homelessness.

Cuts like these don’t just strain families, they overwhelm already overworked local shelters and leave entire communities struggling to keep people housed and safe. Protecting access to food and health care is key to preventing homelessness.

We urge you to take action: use the link provided here to contact your legislators and send the letter below to tell them to vote NO on the OBBBA. Together, we can stand up for our most vulnerable neighbors.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————–[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]

The Honorable [Representative’s/Senator’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to you not just as your constituent but as someone who cares deeply about the well-being of my neighbors and our community’s future.

I’m urging you to please vote NO on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This bill may promise tax cuts, but the reality is it would take away vital lifelines like Medicaid and SNAP from millions of families who depend on them. Without these programs, many parents would struggle to keep their kids healthy and fed, and more people could end up losing their homes altogether.

, Despite all these painful cuts, this bill would actually add $2.77 trillion to our national debt over the next decade. That means higher borrowing costs and  fewer resources for things like schools and roads. 

Please stand up for families, for fiscal responsibility, and for a healthier, more stable community by voting NO on the OBBBA. Your leadership and compassion matter so much right now.

Thank you for  representing us.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]