Congress approved President Donald Trump’s comprehensive legislation package on July 3, setting the stage for him to sign the bill into law on Independence Day. This extensive bill underwent nearly four days of negotiations among Senate Republicans, with contentious cuts to Medicaid and reductions in Medicare funding taking center stage.
The final passage in the House was achieved by a narrow margin of four votes, with all Democrats and two Republicans, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voting against the bill. Dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” this legislation aims to impact various aspects of the American economy, including the social safety net, income taxes, business incentives, and initiatives for clean energy.
A significant focus of the bill is the projected $1 trillion cut to Medicaid over the next decade, which experts estimate could leave around 11.8 million Americans uninsured by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
In contrast to Trump’s earlier suggestions about considering a stimulus check funded by claimed savings, the bill ultimately does not include any provision for a direct payment to Americans. Discussions surrounding a “DOGE check,” tied to a cryptocurrency-related initiative, gained traction on social media but have not translated into concrete legislative proposals.
Looking back, while some Americans did receive stimulus checks in 2025, these were specifically for individuals who failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. The checks, amounting to as much as $1,400, were distributed under the Biden administration after data indicated many eligible taxpayers had missed out on previous payments.
This legislative push demonstrates the ongoing complexities and negotiations surrounding fiscal policies in the U.S., highlighting the contrasting priorities of different political factions. As policymakers navigate these changes, the focus remains on balancing economic growth with the well-being of vulnerable segments of the population.