The “Big Beautiful” Dumpster Fire Budget: A Continuing Saga
The Dumpster Fire Budget: Cruel Cuts and Congressional Hypocrisy
The drama surrounding the Big Beautiful Dumpster Fire Budget continues to cause heartache. Spanning over 1,000 pages, it's filled with spite and cruelty directed at those relying on government assistance—SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, and housing waivers. If wages had kept pace with productivity or the exorbitant salaries of executives, the need for a robust social safety net wouldn't be as pressing. Yet, Congress repeatedly votes to increase their own salaries while refusing to raise the federal minimum wage. As is widely recognized, these cuts aim to preserve Trump's 2017 tax breaks for the ultra-rich—his true CONSTITUENTS—and the oil and gas industry.
I do have to give a shout out to House Democrats for bringing their A-game in opposing this bill. One of the highlights was Gen Z representative Maxwell Frost’s speech. House Democrats brought over 500 amendments to tame the bill, but all were rejected by Republicans. Two brave Republicans—Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio—broke ranks and voted "no." Massie’s 90 seconds were quite eloquent, especially his reference to the “debt bomb ticking.”
Unsurprisingly, Trump dismissed Massie's concerns, accusing him of grandstanding and lacking an understanding of governance. When questioned about Medicaid cuts, Trump resorted to his usual rhetoric about eliminating "waste, fraud, and abuse." He refused to answer the question about the work requirement, though it's in there. That was one of the concessions to the so-called fiscally responsible caucus—to implement the requirement immediately instead of phasing it in.
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Senate Watch & the Byrd Rule Lifeline
Now that the bill has passed the House, it moves to the Senate. I wish I could feel optimistic, but my heart tells me otherwise. There are a few Republicans who might stand against it. Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson have voiced opposition, primarily due to concerns about the ballooning national debt. Paul's stance is particularly noteworthy; he's been vocal about the fiscal irresponsibility of the bill, highlighting its potential to add trillions to the deficit.
Then there are Senators Lisa Murkowski, John Curtis, Thom Tillis, and Jerry Moran. They've expressed support for maintaining clean energy tax credits, recognizing the importance of a stable energy policy for our economy and environment. Senators Susan Collins and Josh Hawley have also raised concerns, especially regarding cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. Hawley, representing a state that expanded Medicaid, has been clear: he's not in favor of benefit cuts that would harm his constituents.
But here's the thing: Trump is a Big Fat Bully, and he plays dirty. He has a way of twisting arms and getting what he wants. My fear is that, despite their reservations, these senators might cave under pressure.
Then there’s the sinister inclusion of line item 70302, which essentially de-fangs the judiciary. It prevents courts from holding parties in contempt if they ignore rulings—retroactively. That means all rulings against Trump’s executive overreach could be nullified if no bond was previously set—something that is almost never done.
Fortunately, there is a rule that can help us. The Byrd Rule invoked will take out the all the non-budgetary items. This is HUGE. I urge everyone calling their Senators - you ARE doing that, right? - to mention the Byrd Rule. These are the line items:
Section 70302 — Limits the judiciary from holding parties under contempt if they ignore their ruling
Section 50401 — Blocks AI regulation for ten years
Section 60112 — Deregulates silencers for guns
Section 80221 — Enforces Medicaid work requirements
Rise Up: Protests, the 50501 Movement & General Strike
If you still feel hopeless and powerless, finding and attending your local NO KINGS Protest will lift your spirits. Being with thousands of people feeling the same way as you gives you hope. If you are skeptical, think about going to a stadium concert or sports event and how it felt to sing the songs or cheering for a touchdown. Make a Saturday of it with friends and family. They are only a couple hours and they DO make a huge difference, not only to your spirits, but to the government who can’t totally ignore millions of people in the streets.
Visit NoKing.org to get involved. It even looks like we have mainstream media coverage now. We had 5 million people for the 4/5/25 protests - we should be able to double that considering all that has been going on. If all 13.7 million people set to lose their health insurance came out it would be so powerful.
You may have heard that if we get 3.5% of our population (11 million) on the streets protesting, the chance for changing policy skyrockets. If you are heart sick as I am about this Dumpster Fire Budget, please come out. Bring your family, your friends, find a cheesy crown to wear. There are protests happening everywhere - even if it is just your friends and family standing at a street corner. Have someone take a picture of you and your signs (not your faces, just in case it becomes illegal to exercise your 1st Amendment Rights). Send it to your local 50501 movement - that stands for 50 states, 50 capitols, 1 movement. It has expanded to every major city and lots of small ones, even in Red districts.
It seems so obvious, doesn’t it? We should be taxing the ultra-rich, not giving them more tax breaks while slashing social services that people need to survive. But unless we—yes, we, the people—start making real demands, the answer from those in power will never be to tax the 1%. They will just keep squeezing the rest of us.
There’s a good chance a General Strike is coming. It’s time to prepare. If you’re ready to channel your frustration into collective action, check out GSUS (General Strike for the United States). They are organizing trainings, resources, and communication platforms. We are closer than you think but it takes coordination and courage.
Go forth and Fight. We CAN do this!!
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