Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill"
On July 3, 2025, H.R.1 — also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" — cleared both chambers of Congress and now heads to the President's desk for final approval.
Statement from OK Policy's Executive Director Shiloh Kantz:
Today's vote in favor of the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBBA) is a shameful moment in our nation's history — one where far too many national leaders chose billionaire donors over working families, campaign checks over community needs, and political power over moral responsibility.
Let's be clear: this bill takes food off the tables of children, strips life-saving care from low-income families, and guts the public investments that help people get back on their feet. All while handing out enormous tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and corporations who needed no help.
This vote wasn't about fraud or waste. The targeted programs—like SNAP and Medicaid—have some of the lowest improper payment rates in government. It wasn't about putting money back in people's pockets, either. Trickle-down economics has never worked, and it won't start now.
Oklahomans are already facing high levels of poverty, health disparities, and barriers to opportunity. This bill doesn't fix that — it makes it worse.
At Oklahoma Policy Institute, we believe budgets are moral documents. This one tells us exactly where the priorities lie: not with our children, our elders, or our neighbors, but with the ultra-rich and well-connected.
We won't stop fighting for a budget and a government that works for all Oklahomans, not just those who can afford to buy influence.
Shiloh Kantz
Executive Director, Oklahoma Policy Institute
