Much has been said about the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that is now before the Senate.
These remarks focus on its cuts to essential programs, such as SNAP and Medicaid, and on how the budget will increase the national debt by trillions of dollars. There are other provisions, however, that are at least as damaging to our country and fellow citizens.
Section 70302 contains language that restricts the ability of courts to hold any government official in contempt for violating a judge’s orders. If the courts cannot compel the government’s compliance with the law, then the president and his agents can do what they wish to any and all of us.
The judicial branch would no longer be an effective check on the actions of the executive (https://campaignlegal.org/update/these-hidden-provisions-budget-bill-undermine-our-democracy).
Section 43201 (c) decrees a 10-year ban on the enforcement of state and local laws regulating the use of AI. Over 20 states have such laws, many designed to control AI’s use in campaigns of misinformation.
This provision would facilitate all manner of election interference, further weakening democracy and faith in our institutions. It would also be a huge giveaway to tech companies who are promoting the unregulated adoption of AI (https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/tech/house-spending-bill-ai-provision-organizations-raise-alarm).
The bill allows the president to declare, without due process, any non-profit a “terrorist organization,” thus ending its tax-exempt status. Such unregulated power could easily be used to suppress the free speech rights of those who disagree with this or future presidents (https://www.americanprogress.org/article/reconciliation-provision-would-let-executive-branch-dismantle-nonprofits-under-pretext-of-fighting-terrorism/)
The tax on inherited wealth has been changed such that heirs would pay no tax on estates worth 15 million dollars or less (for individuals, 30 million dollars for couples).
This increase in the size of non-taxed inherited wealth will result in only 0.08% of estates being taxed (down from 2.1%) and a drop in government revenues (https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2025-05-23-ten-sneaky-sleeper-provisions-trumps-big-beautiful-bill/).
Tax credits that subsidized Affordable Care Act premiums will be allowed to expire in 2025. The increased out-of-pocket costs for insurance bought through the ACA will result in millions losing coverage (https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/proposed-aca-marketplace-rule-would-raise-health-care-costs-for-millions-of).
President Trump promised to make America great again. It is hard to square that promise with the provisions of this bill that limit free speech, place the president and his administration above the law, and subject the poor to greater misery while further enriching those who already enjoy unprecedented wealth.
If you are concerned about these matters, please let Ohio’s Senators Husted (202-235-4453 and 614-369-4925) and Moreno (202-224-2315 and 614-469-2083) know about it. You might also ask our Congressman, Representative Troy Balderson, why he voted for a bill that does so little good and so much harm (202-225-2355 and 614-523-2555).
Edward Schortman
Granville, Ohio