H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Alexander Persaud
Jun 6
2 min read

What’s in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”? A Breakdown of H.R.1 (119th Congress)

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H.R.1, officially titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This sweeping piece of legislation spans multiple sectors—including taxes, healthcare, defense, agriculture, energy, and immigration—offering a wide range of policy changes that could impact millions of Americans.

Here’s a quick, nonpartisan look at what’s inside:

Tax Policy

H.R.1 extends several provisions from the 2017 tax reform, such as the expanded child tax credit, higher standard deduction, and estate tax thresholds. It also introduces new savings tools and tax exemptions, including proposals to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay.

Social Programs

The bill tightens work requirements for SNAP (food stamps), changes Medicaid eligibility rules, and phases out some waivers for benefit programs. It also limits certain public benefits for undocumented immigrants and imposes new verification standards.

Healthcare

Provisions expand the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) while increasing redetermination requirements for Medicaid. Some ACA subsidies are modified, and there are restrictions on gender-affirming care funding under federal programs.

Defense and Border Security

The bill calls for increased funding to modernize the military, expand naval capacity, bolster Indo-Pacific readiness, and support border infrastructure and enforcement.

Energy and Environment

Many clean energy tax credits and environmental programs created by the Inflation Reduction Act are repealed or scaled back. At the same time, the bill promotes fossil fuel development through expanded federal land leasing.

Education and Student Aid

It revises student loan limits, repayment options, and oversight of federal education policies, while expanding the use of Pell Grants to workforce programs.

tl:dr

H.R.1 is broad in scope and reflects a legislative pivot toward deregulation, fiscal restraint in federal benefit programs, and continued tax relief for families and businesses. Supporters argue it promotes economic growth and accountability. Critics point to potential gaps in safety nets and reduced investment in clean energy. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it’s likely to undergo revisions or meet resistance in the Senate.