By Jacob Schneider (he/him) Youth v. Oil Federal Policy Lead
As America celebrates July 4th, a day to celebrate her liberation from tyranny, she finds herself sinking into oppression once again. A damning piece of legislation, known as the One Big ‘Beautiful’ Bill (OBBB), looms over barbeques and parades as it threatens to unleash its wrath on millions of souls. The bill is the brainchild of Republican President Donald Trump, who has spent his time in office expanding his powers, trampling over the rights of minorities, and destroying the environment. The OBBB, which recently passed in the Senate and the House by slim majorities, represents Trump’s agenda and the future course of the country.
Unfortunately, this agenda isn’t pretty- it will defund greenhouse gas reduction programs, especially those targeting air quality around schools and small communities. It will also reduce tax credits for renewable projects; if a company doesn’t begin the projects before December 31st, they’ll lose 40% of their credit, and if they don’t start it by 2027, they’ll lose 80%. Not only is the bill an environmental disaster, it’s also a fiscal monstrosity. The bill will cut millions from Medicaid by implementing work requirements, and it will give $5 trillion dollar tax breaks to billionaires, increasing the deficit by $3.6 trillion.
Even though times may seem pretty hopeless, the people still have power. Americans must fight Trump’s increasingly oppressive tyranny by voting out the treacherous congress members who voted for the bill in upcoming elections. Every politician must know that if they violate American liberty, they will face the results of their actions when the next election comes around. If millions of people use their voices they can fight back against this national embarrassment and realize the founding fathers’ dream of a free and healthy society.