Local lawmakers react to 'One, Big, Beautiful Bill'

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Local lawmakers have expressed mixed opinions on the newly passed One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

The U.S. House of Representative passed the partisan budget bill Thursday morning.

President Trump claims the bill is the "most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country," stating the bill will include tax cuts and pay raises for ICE and Border Patrol agents.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill is projected to affect approximately 50,000 people in South Texas by making cuts to Medicaid, SNAP benefits and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.

"There is nothing 'beautiful' about a bill that lowers taxes for the ultra-rich on the backs of our senior citizens, our children, and our Veterans," Congressman Vicente Gonzalez said. "In short, the Republican budget will leave South Texans and Americans sicker, hungrier, and poorer while the ultra-rich continue to line their pockets."

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz voted in favor of the bill, expressing the bill will aid in border security.

"The One, Big, Beautiful Bill strengthens our border security by investing in Border Patrol Agents and innovative border technology," De La Cruz said.

With the new bill, approximately $90 billion will be invested in border security, including funding for Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities and the hiring and training of 3,000 new Border Patrol Agents.

"I am proud to vote for this legislation and will continue to deliver wins for South Texas," De La Cruz continued.

Congressman Henry Cuellar voted against the bill expressing concern that the bill would raise costs for working families.

"According to estimates, more than 43,000 people in my district could lose their health coverage 34,000 through the Affordable Care Act and another 9,000 through Medicaid," Cuellar said. "These aren't just numbers they represent families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who rely on these programs to get by."