Congress Under Fire as Budget Battles Escalate and Policy Divides Deepen

Washington, D.C. — May 28, 2025

Congress is facing mounting scrutiny from both the public and political leaders as a series of high-stakes budget battles and divisive policy debates have brought legislative activity to a boiling point. The latest flashpoint came after House Republicans, following an all-night session, narrowly passed a sweeping multitrillion-dollar tax and spending package—dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"—fulfilling key fiscal promises of President Donald Trump.

Key Provisions and Controversies

The House bill, exceeding 1,000 pages, aims to make permanent the tax cuts from Trump’s first term while introducing new tax breaks, such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and certain auto loan interest. To offset the revenue loss, the legislation proposes deep cuts to social programs, including Medicaid and food assistance, and rolls back green energy tax credits established during the Biden administration. The bill also temporarily boosts the child tax credit by $500 per child, raising it to $2,500 from 2025 to 2028, and increases the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) to $40,000 for 2025, though it phases out for higher earners.

While Republican leaders argue the bill will revitalize the economy and fulfill campaign promises, critics warn it prioritizes tax relief for the wealthy at the expense of essential services and low-income families. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the changes would leave 8.6 million more people without health coverage and reduce food assistance for 3 million, while increasing the federal deficit by nearly $800 billion over the next decade.

Senate Showdown and Judicial Limits

As the bill heads to the Senate, tensions are rising over controversial provisions, including a measure to restrict federal judges from issuing nationwide injunctions—a move some senators are seeking to strike from the final package. The Senate is expected to undertake significant revisions, with a goal to finalize its version by the Fourth of July.

Fallout for Health Services and Local Governments

The budget turmoil is already having real-world consequences. Planned Parenthood announced the closure of four clinics each in Minnesota and Iowa, attributing the decision to a freeze in federal funds and the threat of further congressional budget cuts. Meanwhile, local officials in Washington, D.C., have scrambled to offset a $1.1 billion budget shortfall caused by congressional cuts, resorting to spending freezes, hiring delays, and targeted reductions in city programs.

Political Accusations and Audits

The heated atmosphere has been further stoked by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who accused Congress of failing to enact deeper cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alleging lawmakers are bowing to entrenched interests. Additionally, a move to audit the finances of 163 members of Congress—mostly Democrats—has sparked accusations of political targeting and deepened partisan divides.

Public Frustration and Uncertain Path Forward

With Congress now in recess for another week, public frustration is mounting over perceived inaction and persistent gridlock. As debates over spending priorities and policy reforms continue with no clear resolution in sight, the nation remains on edge, watching closely as lawmakers prepare for the next round of negotiations. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for the economy, social services, and the balance of power in Washington.