President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” passes, local politicians react

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The House passed the GOP-backed “Big, Beautiful Bill” on Thursday. The final vote of 218–214 was largely along party lines, with opposition from only two Republicans.

Some local politicians responded to the passage of the bill.

Illinois

U.S. Representative Mike Bost

U.S. Representative Mike Bost voted Thursday for the final version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which is legislation that makes the tax relief enacted during President Trump’s first term permanent, provides resources to secure the border and reduces “wasteful spending.” Rep. Bost says the Trump-backed bill now heads to the president’s desk, where President Trump pledged to sign it into law by Independence Day.

“President Trump and conservative majorities in Congress were elected to shut down the border invasion and put America’s taxpayers first,” said Rep. Bost. “I voted to lock in the Trump tax cuts and avert the largest tax hike in our nation’s history, while securing the border and kicking fraudsters off benefits intended for families in need. I’m proud to work closely with President Trump to deliver on our promises to the American people.”

According to Rep. Bost, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” was developed through the budget reconciliation process in the House and amended in the Senate. It delivers reforms that are intended to support economic growth, defend national security and promote energy independence. 

According to Rep. Bost, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is intended to do the following:

• Permanently extend the Trump tax cuts, preventing a 22 percent tax hike
• Eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, while increasing deductions for seniors
• Providing more than $175 billion for border security, completes the border wall and funds the hiring of thousands of new Border Patrol and customs officers
• Strengthening work requirements for healthy, working age SNAP Medicaid beneficiaries to ensure benefits are preserved for those who “truly need them”
• Repealing “Green New Deal” programs, including the “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund”
• Putting an end to the taxpayer funding of abortions

Kentucky

U.S. Representative James Comer

U.S. Representative James Comer says this bill is the majority of the agenda that President Trump campaigned on. According to Rep. Comer, this bill cuts income taxes, eliminates taxes on tips, reduces taxes on Social Security, secures the border, pays for the deportation of criminal illegals, improves energy policy, which is intended to lower utility costs, and cuts “waste, fraud and abuse” in many social programs.

Rep. Comer posted a video explaining the thought process behind his vote.

U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie

U.S. Representative Brett Guthrie posted a statement on his social media.

“The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a victory for the millions of American families who will receive a historic tax cut. As part of this legislation the Committee on Energy and Commerce worked to secure major victories targeting waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending. The bill strengthens Medicaid for those who need it most, ensures American energy dominance and supports the rapid innovation of American industry. Thank you to President Trump and all our Committee members who worked tirelessly on this legislation.
Rep. Guthrie

Rep. Guthrie says, in short, this bill will protect Medicaid for those who need it, restore the country’s energy independence, drive innovation and strengthen national security.

Indiana

U.S. Representative Mark Messmer

U.S. Representative Mark Messmer released a statement on his social media pages.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a legislative feat, and I am very impressed with the artful way President Trump successfully shepherded this bill through the House of Representatives and Senate. This bill will stimulate the Hoosier economy, providing our IN-08 community with new tax savings, fresh job opportunities and better financial security. I am proud to play a part in delivering the Trump agenda and am pleased to participate in the long overdue process of finally eliminating colossal amounts of waste, fraud and abuse in our federal programs.
Rep. Messmer

All four of the Tri-State’s congressional Republicans voted “yes” on the bill.