U.S. Republicans tout 2023 tax cuts amid criticism over Medicaid and SNAP reductions

One year after Congress passed the so‑called “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” on July 4, 2023, Republicans are celebrating the law’s permanent tax provisions, including new deductions for tips, overtime, seniors and an expanded child tax credit. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the cuts saved “$82 billion for 97 % of taxpayers.”

Democrats and health‑care advocates argue the same legislation crippled safety‑net programs. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that “800,000 kids lost SNAP benefits; 5 million lost health coverage; over 1,000 hospitals and clinics face cuts or closure.” Critics say Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding were slashed by more than $1 trillion, driving higher premiums and hospital strain across states such as Alaska, Colorado, Michigan and Ohio. The anniversary has prompted a series of protests and hearings by lawmakers and advocacy groups demanding protection of health care and nutrition assistance.

The debate underscores the political split: Republicans frame the law as historic tax relief that boosts the economy, while Democrats view it as the largest health‑care and food‑assistance cut in U.S. history, disproportionately impacting working families.