The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Big Beautiful Bill” budget on Thursday in a party-line vote.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the bill would “set the stage for the coming golden age” under U.S. President Donald Trump.
“President Trump has delivered on his promises to Main Street while strengthening critical programs, national security and America’s manufacturing sector,” Bessent stated. “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will unleash the full potential of the U.S. economy.”
While many Republicans expressed reservations about the legislation, ultimately only two, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), voted against it. All 212 Democrats in the House also voted “No.”
Jewish groups were split on the passage of the budget act, which includes school choice provisions supported by the Orthodox Union.
The Republican Jewish Coalition welcomed its passage as fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises.
“This historic piece of legislation delivers on core conservative priorities and provides real help for Americans across the country, protecting our national security, promoting economic growth and expanding educational freedom for families with K-12 children,” the RJC stated.
B’nai B’rith International has “reservations” about the bill’s impact on older adults and stated that it is “disappointed Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will quickly be signed into law by the president.”
“Steep cuts to programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could cause vulnerable older adults to lose critical safety nets and services,” B’nai B’rith stated. “Medicaid helps pay for crucial medical expenses, and SNAP provides nutrition assistance for low-income individuals, including seniors.”
“We are encouraged by some aspects of this legislation,” it added. “For instance, qualifying older adults benefit from tax relief specifically aimed at seniors. Also, we applaud Congress for expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which will provide more affordable housing around the country.”
Brian Romick, president and CEO of the Democratic Majority for Israel, stated that the bill was “not just bad policy” but “morally wrong.”
“This bill doesn’t fix anything that’s broken. It makes life harder for the people who are already hurting,” it stated. “DMFI stands firmly against this reckless, cruel budget. Republicans will be haunted by this vote, and so will the Americans they’ve left behind.”
Sheila Katz, CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, wrote that the measure was a “moral failure.”
“It takes food from children and healthcare from those who need it,” she stated. “This is cruelty, codified into law.”
House Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), called the legislation “nation-shaping.”
“Today, the House has passed generational legislation that permanently lowers taxes for families and job creators, secures the border, unleashes American energy dominance, restores peace through strength, reduces spending more than any other bill ever has, and makes government more efficient and effective for all Americans,” the Republicans stated.
Having passed the Senate on Tuesday, the budget act will now proceed to Trump for his signature.
