The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by the House and now in the Senate’s hands, faces growing resistance among Republican lawmakers due to its potential to significantly increase the national debt. The legislation, which includes measures on tax policy, border security, and energy production, could raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, prompting concerns from several prominent Republican senators.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has expressed skepticism about the bill, arguing that its projected impact on the debt is a major issue. He has stated that he would support the legislation if the debt ceiling hike were removed, highlighting the internal division within the GOP. Paul’s comments have drawn a sharp response from Trump, who accused him of playing into the hands of Democrats by opposing the bill.
Elon Musk, who left Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency last week, has also criticized the bill, calling it a ‘disgusting abomination.’ White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the administration’s position, dismissing the criticism of the bill’s fiscal impact as based on flawed assumptions from budget analysts. Some Republicans, like Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., have called for more spending cuts to avoid potential economic risks.
Despite the criticisms, the bill’s proponents argue that the tax cuts and economic growth spurred by the legislation will lead to higher revenues and offset the projected deficit increase. The Senate’s review could shape the final version of the bill, with its fate potentially hinging on further negotiations and revisions before it reaches Trump’s desk for approval.