Budget for the Few Leaves Millions Behind

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 2, 2025 – A major budget bill passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday is facing strong criticism from human rights groups and economic experts. They warn the plan will give huge tax breaks to the richest Americans while cutting funding for programs that help millions of low-income families.

Called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the nearly 1,000-page legislation extends and expands tax cuts that began under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the wealthiest 10% of households would receive an average of $12,000 more each year, while the poorest 10% would lose about $1,600, around 4% of their yearly income.

“This bill shows that if you’re not rich, you don’t count,” said Matt McConnell, an economic justice researcher at Human Rights Watch. “It’s shocking that President Trump promised to help the economy but is passing a budget that makes ordinary people pay with their health and security.”

The bill makes large cuts to Medicaid, public housing, and food assistance programs. Experts say these changes could leave millions without health insurance and force many to pay more for medical care. Rural hospitals and clinics could be some of the hardest hit.

Supporters of the bill say it will boost economic growth and create jobs by lowering taxes. However, many economists and advocates argue this approach has failed in the past.

“Budgets are not just numbers, they are about values,” McConnell said. “This budget puts the interests of the wealthy above the basic needs of everyone else.”

Human rights groups say the bill ignores the government’s duty to protect people’s rights to health care and a decent standard of living. They are calling on lawmakers to reject the bill when it goes back to the House of Representatives for final approval.

As Congress prepares for another round of debate, the bill has become a key test of national priorities. Americans are left asking whether their leaders will choose policies that benefit the few at the top or protect the well-being of everyone.