As lawmakers debate the One Massive Lovely Invoice Act within the Senate, a brand new Epoch Occasions ballot of 12,973 readers reveals robust backing for lots of the invoice’s core provisions—together with everlasting tax cuts and banning Medicaid funding for gender-transition procedures—however extra cautious views on its long-term fiscal impression.
The sweeping, 1,000-plus-page bill combines everlasting tax aid with main spending reductions and entitlement reforms. It will make permanent the person revenue and property tax cuts enacted beneath President Donald Trump’s first time period, exempt ideas and additional time pay from federal taxes, and quickly enhance the usual deduction and little one tax credit score.
To assist offset what the Congressional Funds Workplace (CBO) estimates as $3.8 trillion in misplaced income by means of 2034, the invoice proposes a sequence of financial savings measures. These embrace what the Tax Basis projects might be $851 billion in financial savings from repealing or phasing out inexperienced power tax credit tied to former President Joe Biden’s InflationReduction Act, in addition to CBO-estimated financial savings of $698 billion from tighter Medicaid eligibility guidelines, $267 billion much less in federal spending on meals stamps, and $64 billion much less for all different functions.
The invoice additionally authorizes a $4 trillion increase within the U.S. debt restrict—one thing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said is crucial to keep away from default later this 12 months.
Republicans have pitched the invoice as a commonsense repair for what they see as hovering Medicaid prices, declining army readiness, border chaos, and inflation.
90 Percent of US Companies Plan to Reshore Amid Tariffs, Allianz Survey Finds
Democrats name it a giveaway to the wealthy, arguing it slashes important support to struggling households to fund tax breaks for billionaires—a attainable preview of their marketing campaign message within the 2026 mid-term election.
Trump has, on stability, endorsed the invoice. He has, nevertheless, offered a considerably blended assessment of the small print, saying he was “thrilled” with some elements of the invoice however not completely proud of others. He has additionally urged the Senate to maneuver shortly to cross the measure, highlighting provisions like making his 2017 tax cuts everlasting, exempting ideas and additional time from taxes, rising pay for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, funding a “Golden Dome” missile protection system, and “Trump Financial savings Accounts” for newborns.
Elon Musk, who headed Trump’s Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE) initiative on its mission to chop wasteful and fraudulent authorities spending, has mentioned the invoice falls in need of his hopes for deficit discount. “I believe a invoice could be huge or it may be stunning,” Musk mentioned, “however I don’t know if it may be each.”
The invoice passed the Home final week and is now beneath Senate consideration. As deliberations proceed on Capitol Hill, readers of The Epoch Occasions have weighed in with broad assist for lots of the invoice’s provisions—although not with out some reservations about its long-term fiscal tradeoffs.
Sturdy Assist for Key Provisions on Taxes, Advantages, and Nationwide Safety
Readers overwhelmingly again core components of the invoice, from tax aid and Medicaid work guidelines to frame funding and army investments.
The One Massive Lovely Invoice Act consists of sweeping restrictions on federal funding for gender-transition procedures, banning the usage of Medicaid and the Kids’s Well being Insurance coverage Program (CHIP) for “gender-affirming care” throughout all age teams. Whereas the unique draft utilized solely to minors, a late-stage modification prolonged the prohibition to adults.
Below the invoice, federal funds couldn’t be used for hormone remedy, puberty blockers, or gender-transition surgical procedures supposed to change an individual’s physique to align with their so-called gender identification. The laws would additionally amend the Reasonably priced Care Act to take away gender-transition procedures from the listing of important well being advantages.
Ballot outcomes present overwhelming reader assist for these provisions. A complete of 89 p.c strongly agree that the invoice is true to ban Medicaid funding for gender-related medical procedures. An extra 3 p.c considerably agree, whereas solely 6 p.c categorical any degree of disagreement. Simply 2 p.c are impartial—indicating near-unanimous backing for this measure.
The invoice seeks to completely lengthen the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a centerpiece of Trump’s first-term agenda. With out congressional motion, key provisions of the TCJA—together with decrease revenue tax charges—are set to run out in 2026, leading to computerized tax hikes for many Individuals. As an example, the present 12 p.c marginal tax bracket would revert to fifteen p.c, hitting earners with as little as $12,150 in taxable revenue. The 22 p.c bracket would rise to 25 p.c for incomes round $50,000. The One Massive Lovely Invoice Act goals to forestall these will increase by locking within the present charges.
Reader sentiment strongly backs the extension. A mixed 90 p.c assist the measure, with 81 p.c saying they strongly agree and 9 p.c considerably agreeing. Simply 6 p.c oppose it, and 4 p.c stay impartial—underscoring widespread assist for holding the TCJA tax cuts in place.
The One Massive Lovely Invoice Act consists of sweeping reforms to the meals stamp program—formally often called the Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP)—aiming to cut back spending by $267 billion over the subsequent decade. Chief amongst these reforms is a plan to tighten work necessities. The invoice raises the age restrict for work necessities from 54 to 64 for able-bodied adults with out dependents. It additionally narrows exemptions for fogeys, solely permitting these with youngsters beneath age 7 to qualify.
The proposed adjustments obtained overwhelming assist from readers. A mixed 91 p.c mentioned the work guidelines are an appropriate option to reduce spending, together with 80 p.c who strongly agree. Simply 6 p.c opposed the measure, and three p.c had been impartial.
Republicans are additionally proposing to tie Medicaid protection to work. The invoice would require able-bodied adults with out dependents to work no less than 80 hours a month to maintain their Medicaid advantages—a coverage aimed toward curbing prices and inspiring employment. Federal Medicaid spending has almost doubled over the previous decade to $614 billion, elevating considerations about long-term fiscal sustainability.
The proposal has robust assist amongst ballot respondents. Seventy-nine p.c strongly agree with the requirement, whereas one other 11 p.c considerably agree. Simply 6 p.c oppose the measure, and 4 p.c are impartial.
As a part of the Trump administration’s immigration reform thrust, the invoice commits $12 billion to reimburse border states for cash they’ve spent on border safety for the reason that starting of the Biden presidency. That is a part of an general $150 billion enhance to immigration enforcement, together with hiring extra border patrol brokers, restarting wall building, and increasing deportations of unlawful immigrants.
Readers strongly again the transfer. Seventy-nine p.c say the funding in border safety is price it, with one other 11 p.c considerably agreeing. Simply 7 p.c oppose it and three p.c are undecided.
From missile protection to army readiness, the invoice directs $150 billion towards nationwide safety priorities. That features $25 billion for the Golden Dome missile protect, $34 billion for naval growth, and billions extra for ammunition, new weapons techniques, and servicemember advantages like housing and well being care.
Ballot respondents broadly assist the funding—64 p.c strongly agree it’s crucial for nationwide safety, whereas one other 19 p.c considerably agree. Simply 10 p.c categorical any degree of disagreement, and seven p.c stay impartial.
Broad Backing for Enterprise Tax Reduction, Spending Cuts, and Funds Rebalancing
Readers again provisions aimed toward stimulating funding, boosting small companies, and shifting federal priorities—whilst some considerations had been expressed over Medicaid protection losses.
To encourage enterprise funding, the invoice quickly restores 100% bonus depreciation—permitting corporations to totally deduct the price of qualifying tools and equipment within the 12 months of buy from 2025 by means of 2029. The Tax Basis projects that 100% bonus depreciation—paired with expanded analysis and growth expensing and a better Part 179 expensing cap—would considerably improve financial development.
The proposal has widespread assist amongst readers. Eighty-six p.c agree that letting companies totally deduct tools prices within the 12 months of buy will enhance funding, together with 61 p.c who strongly assist it. Simply 5 p.c disagree, whereas 9 p.c are impartial.
The invoice introduces a brand new tax break aimed toward serving to working-class Individuals. It permits employees in historically tipped industries—reminiscent of servers, bartenders, supply drivers, and hairstylists—to deduct 100% of their tip revenue from federal taxes between 2025 and 2028.
The deduction applies to people incomes as much as $160,000, with future changes for inflation. Supporters say the measure may present significant aid for tens of millions of service employees whereas simplifying tax compliance in tip-heavy industries.
This concept enjoys strong backing from Epoch Occasions readers. Eighty-two p.c assist it, together with 60 p.c who strongly agree. Simply 8 p.c oppose it, and 10 p.c are impartial.
To assist offset the price of extending and increasing Trump-era tax cuts, Republicans suggest phasing out different power tax credit that had been launched or expanded beneath the Biden administration.
The invoice would finish key incentives for wind, photo voltaic, and battery storage tasks by 2028 and restrict eligibility to people who start building inside 60 days of passage. The Tax Basis estimates as much as $851 billion in financial savings from repealing or phasing out all of the Biden-era inexperienced power tax credit. On the identical time, the invoice preserves or expands credit for nuclear power, reflecting a shift in priorities towards extra steady, long-term energy sources.
A powerful majority of respondents—78 p.c—assist eradicating different power tax credit as a part of reprioritizing the federal funds. 13 p.c are impartial, and 9 p.c disagree.
Below the invoice, the deduction for certified enterprise revenue is elevated to 23 p.c and made everlasting. This lets house owners of pass-through companies—like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S firms—subtract an even bigger portion of their revenue earlier than calculating their taxes, successfully decreasing their tax invoice.
Supporters say the deduction boosts reinvestment and hiring by elevating the after-tax revenue of enterprise house owners, aligning with the Trump administration’s broader technique of positioning the personal sector—not the federal government—as the primary engine of financial development.
Ballot outcomes present robust assist for elevating to 23 p.c and making everlasting the deduction for certified enterprise revenue. A mixed 83 p.c of respondents agree that it will considerably promote financial development, together with 56 p.c who strongly agree. Simply 6 p.c disagree, whereas 11 p.c are impartial.
The One Massive Lovely Invoice Act would completely elevate the federal present, property, and generation-skipping switch (GST) tax exemption to $15 million per individual, up from the present $13.99 million. The exemption would additionally proceed to rise with inflation.
The rise would enable people to cross on extra property tax-free, easing strain to make giant presents beneath present limits. Property planners say it could additionally make it simpler to fund trusts that protect household wealth throughout generations.
A complete of 65 p.c of ballot respondents assist elevating the property tax exemption to $15 million, although solely 45 p.c strongly agree. Twenty-two p.c are impartial, whereas 13 p.c categorical disagreement.
The invoice would reduce $698 billion from federal Medicaid spending over the subsequent decade, which might come from tighter eligibility guidelines, lowered federal contributions for growth enrollees, and adjustments to supplier funds.
Whereas this is able to save taxpayers billions and assist decrease deficits—a central objective of the Trump administration—it could additionally imply tens of millions may lose protection. The dimensions of the proposed reduce is near one of many mid-range eventualities modeled by the Congressional Funds Workplace, which discovered that $798 billion in reductions would result in roughly 5.8 million folks shedding Medicaid, together with an estimated 2.9 million who would grow to be uninsured.
Regardless of the potential protection losses, a mixed 65 p.c of ballot respondents mentioned chopping $700 billion from Medicaid is an appropriate tradeoff to cut back authorities spending. Twenty p.c had been impartial, and 15 p.c opposed the measure.
Cautious Confidence in Progress Projections, Broad Rejection of ‘Tax Cuts for the Wealthy’ Narrative
Readers expressed measured optimism on financial impacts whereas dismissing claims the invoice favors the rich.
The invoice’s architects argue that tax cuts and deregulation will spur sufficient funding and productiveness to counterbalance deficit considerations, with ballot respondents cautiously optimistic that it will certainly be the case.
A mixed 64 p.c of respondents say they’re assured the invoice’s provisions will generate adequate financial development to offset its fiscal impression—together with 30 p.c who solely considerably agree. On the identical time, 20 p.c stay impartial, and 16 p.c categorical doubt, pointing to a level of fiscal anxiousness and a few obvious skepticism concerning the math that underpins the bundle.
One of many extra contentious elements of the tax invoice is the revision of the state and native tax (SALT) deduction cap. After pushback from lawmakers in high-tax states like New York and California, negotiators agreed to lift the deduction restrict to $40,000 for taxpayers incomes lower than $500,000, beginning in 2025. The cap would steadily section down for greater earners.
Fifty-two p.c of respondents say the SALT cap change makes the tax code fairer, whereas 25 p.c are opposed and 23 p.c are impartial. This means the SALT revision is much less of a rallying level than different provisions within the invoice.
Senate Republicans could search to amend the Home-passed bundle as they start vetting the invoice beneath the Byrd Rule, which restricts non-budgetary provisions in reconciliation laws. Senate Majority Chief John Thune (R-S.D.) has made clear the higher chamber intends to depart its “imprint,” however with solely a slim majority, sweeping adjustments may show dangerous. Senators could pursue committee markups, particularly on tax provisions, however every adjustment dangers shedding GOP assist within the Home.
Reflecting this uncertainty, 65 p.c of Epoch Occasions readers mentioned they count on the Senate to considerably revise the invoice, although solely 30 p.c strongly agreed. One other 26 p.c had been impartial, suggesting many are uncertain how far senators will go in reshaping the laws.
Estimates fluctuate broadly on how a lot the One Massive Lovely Invoice Act will add to federal deficits. The Congressional Funds Workplace projects a $3.8 trillion enhance over a decade, whereas the Tax Basis estimates $2.6 trillion on a traditional foundation and $1.7 trillion when factoring in financial development. The Committee for a Accountable Federal Funds puts the potential price as excessive as $5.1 trillion if momentary provisions are made everlasting.
Practically half of the respondents—49 p.c—categorical concern that the invoice’s deficit impression may jeopardize future financial stability. But with 25 p.c in disagreement and 26 p.c impartial, the general response means that fiscal dangers should not a dominant fear for a lot of.
One of many largest flashpoints within the debate over the One Massive Lovely Invoice Act is who advantages. Democrats argue it’s a tax giveaway to the wealthy, funded by chopping Medicaid and meals stamp advantages for the poor. Citing a Congressional Funds Workplace analysis, they notice that households within the backside 10 p.c would see a decline in internet assets, whereas the wealthiest 10 p.c acquire from lowered tax burdens.
Republicans say that view overlooks broader good points. They highlight the invoice’s expanded little one tax credit score, greater commonplace deduction, and exemptions for ideas and additional time pay—measures they are saying ship the most important proportion tax financial savings to working- and middle-class households. The Joint Committee on Taxation confirms that the majority households will see a tax reduce, with the most important advantages as a share of revenue concentrated within the center brackets.
Within the Epoch Occasions ballot, solely 12 p.c of respondents mentioned the invoice favors the rich at others’ expense. A strong 73 p.c rejected that view, together with 51 p.c who strongly disagreed. Fifteen p.c mentioned they had been impartial.
Write-In Responses Present Sturdy Demand for Less complicated, Fairer Tax Reduction
Within the closing query of the survey, readers had been requested to explain what tax break they’d most wish to see for American employees. Greater than 7,000 responded, with robust themes rising round Social Safety, tax code simplification, and incentives for laborious work.
The commonest request was to finish federal taxation of Social Safety advantages. 1000’s argued the coverage quantities to double taxation—as soon as when revenue is earned, and once more in retirement—and urged full exemption. Many referred to as the invoice’s extra $4,000 deduction for seniors for tax years 2025 by means of 2028 insufficient.
Simplifying the revenue tax system ranked second. Some advocated changing the revenue tax with a flat or consumption-based system, whereas others proposed expanded zero-tax brackets, particularly for incomes beneath $100,000. Many referred to as the present code unfair, overly advanced, and skewed towards particular pursuits.
Property taxes drew important criticism, with tons of calling them unjust or tantamount to “perpetual lease.” Many expressed frustration that homeownership nonetheless comes with ongoing tax burdens even after a mortgage is paid off.
A powerful name additionally emerged to eradicate taxes on additional time pay, which many mentioned penalizes laborious work. Readers working in trades, well being care, and different hourly roles mentioned placing in additional shifts typically doesn’t translate into significant will increase in take-home pay, as a result of taxes eat up a lot of the extra earnings.
Different recurring themes included eliminating taxes on retirement revenue, reminiscent of 401(okay) and IRA withdrawals, increasing tax aid for child-care prices, and abolishing the property tax, which many seen as unfair to households.
Throughout the board, responses revealed frustration with what many view as a punitive and complicated tax system—and a need for adjustments that reward work, respect retirees, and restore equity.
For those who discovered this text attention-grabbing, please contemplate supporting conventional journalism
Our first version was printed 25 years in the past from a basement in Atlanta. As we speak, The Epoch Occasions brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to tens of millions of Individuals.
Our journalists have been threatened, arrested, and assaulted, however our dedication to unbiased journalism has by no means wavered. This 12 months marks our twenty fifth 12 months of unbiased reporting, free from company and political affect.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory provide — simply $1 per week — so you possibly can be part of tens of millions already celebrating unbiased information.
