Grassroots Movement Intensifies as Citizens Protest H.R. 1 Over Deep Cuts to Social Programs

A broad-based grassroots movement is rapidly gaining momentum across the United States as citizens mobilize against H.R. 1, a sweeping budget bill that critics say threatens the nation’s social safety net and could deepen economic hardship for millions. The legislation, recently passed by the Senate in a narrow 51–50 vote with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaker, is now headed back to the House for final approval.

Key Provisions and Public Backlash

H.R. 1, also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," has drawn sharp criticism for its projected $2.8 trillion increase in the federal deficit and unprecedented $150 billion in cuts to agricultural funding, including a historic reduction of nearly $290 billion to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill also proposes deep cuts to Medicare and Medicaid—over $1 trillion combined—which the Congressional Budget Office estimates could leave up to 16 million more Americans uninsured by 2034.

The proposed SNAP cuts would slash federal funding by about 30%, the largest reduction in the program’s history, and tighten work requirements, potentially causing up to 5 million families to lose some or all of their monthly food benefits. These changes come as food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with nearly 53 million Americans living in households that struggle to afford adequate food.

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

Advocacy groups warn that the cuts would disproportionately harm children, seniors, veterans, and low-income families, particularly within Latino and other minority communities who already face higher rates of hunger and poverty. The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and other organizations have sounded the alarm, emphasizing that the bill would not only increase food insecurity and worsen health outcomes but also undermine local economies by reducing federal support for essential programs.

Public Mobilization and Political Response

Activists and concerned citizens are organizing phone banks, rallies, and letter-writing campaigns, urging senators and representatives to reject the bill. Calls to action are circulating widely, with opponents demanding legislative accountability and greater public awareness of the bill’s far-reaching consequences.

Despite claims by supporters that the cuts are necessary for fiscal responsibility, public opinion polls indicate that a large majority of Americans oppose reductions to SNAP and other social programs, with 80% of voters—including a majority of Republicans—believing that current spending on food assistance is adequate or insufficient.

As the House prepares to reconsider the Senate-passed version of H.R. 1, the outcome remains uncertain. If the House cannot secure enough votes, the bill could head to a conference committee for further negotiation. Meanwhile, grassroots opposition continues to build, signaling a pivotal moment in the national debate over the future of America’s social safety net.