The BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL - PASSED THE HOUSE

[Big girl]

35 minutes ago, AggiesAreWe said:

This bill will be cutting my son's benefits.

Not good.

I am so sorry. My heart bleeds for you. Maybe they will let him keep his benefits since he is disabled. Hell i might not have a job. I work with disabled kids who have Medicaid. My poor kids need the help. Now a child,14 years are older, has to work. What a sad day.

[baddog]

13 minutes ago, Big girl said:

Name some illiterate recent college graduates. I think you are jealous of the educated

I think you meant to say envious, to which the answer is no. My post is over a month old. Illiteracy does not necessarily mean one can’t read and write. Check this out.

While the term "illiterate" in this context is often used hyperbolically, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that a significant number of college graduates struggle with literacy skills, including reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking. This doesn't necessarily mean they are completely unable to read or write, but rather that their skills may not be at a proficient level for college-level work or real-world applications. 

 

Here's a more detailed explanation: 

• Falling Proficiency Levels:

  Studies indicate that a substantial percentage of college students, even those graduating, do not meet proficient levels in literacy assessments. 

   
• Basic Skills Only:

  Many graduates may possess only basic literacy skills, struggling with complex texts, nuanced arguments, or in-depth analysis. 

   
• Consequences of Low Literacy:

  This lack of proficiency can affect academic performance, career prospects, and the ability to engage with complex societal issues. 

   
• Factors Contributing to the Issue:

  A combination of factors, including inadequate high school preparation, evolving learning styles, and reliance on technology, may contribute to these challenges. 

   
• Civic Literacy:

  Beyond basic literacy, there are concerns about civic literacy, with surveys revealing a concerning lack of knowledge about American history and government among college students. 

   
• Examples:

  Some reports highlight students who graduated despite having significant gaps in their reading and writing abilities, even struggling with basic comprehension. 

   
• Impact on Society:

  This situation raises concerns about the quality of higher education and the preparedness of graduates to contribute effectively to society. 

[Big girl]

46 minutes ago, baddog said:

I think you meant to say envious, to which the answer is no. My post is over a month old. Illiteracy does not necessarily mean one can’t read and write. Check this out.

 

While the term "illiterate" in this context is often used hyperbolically, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that a significant number of college graduates struggle with literacy skills, including reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking. This doesn't necessarily mean they are completely unable to read or write, but rather that their skills may not be at a proficient level for college-level work or real-world applications. 

 

Here's a more detailed explanation: 

• Falling Proficiency Levels:

  Studies indicate that a substantial percentage of college students, even those graduating, do not meet proficient levels in literacy assessments. 

   
• Basic Skills Only:

  Many graduates may possess only basic literacy skills, struggling with complex texts, nuanced arguments, or in-depth analysis. 

   
• Consequences of Low Literacy:

  This lack of proficiency can affect academic performance, career prospects, and the ability to engage with complex societal issues. 

   
• Factors Contributing to the Issue:

  A combination of factors, including inadequate high school preparation, evolving learning styles, and reliance on technology, may contribute to these challenges. 

   
• Civic Literacy:

  Beyond basic literacy, there are concerns about civic literacy, with surveys revealing a concerning lack of knowledge about American history and government among college students. 

   
• Examples:

  Some reports highlight students who graduated despite having significant gaps in their reading and writing abilities, even struggling with basic comprehension. 

   
• Impact on Society:

  This situation raises concerns about the quality of higher education and the preparedness of graduates to contribute effectively to society. 

They don't graduate from college, they should pick up a trade 

True illiteracy would likely make college completion impossible. Students with significant reading and writing challenges, even if they're not completely illiterate, may face substantial difficulties and could be at risk of failing or dropping out. 

[baddog]

1 minute ago, Big girl said:

They don't graduate from college, they should pick up a trade 

True illiteracy would likely make college completion impossible. Students with significant reading and writing challenges, even if they're not completely illiterate, may face substantial difficulties and could be at risk of failing or dropping out. 

I research for you and you are never satisfied. You ask questions you don’t want answered. You just like to argue.

[Boyz N Da Hood]

SMH! Midterms can't get here quick enough... our founding fathers knew to much power with one side can cause major chaos.. we're witnessing it

[Big girl]

2 hours ago, Boyz N Da Hood said:

SMH! Midterms can't get here quick enough... our founding fathers knew to much power with one side can cause major chaos.. we're witnessing it

When does the bill go into effect?

[Reagan]

12 minutes ago, Big girl said:

When does the bill go into effect?

Trump will sign it tomorrow on July 4th.

[CardinalBacker]

10 hours ago, Big girl said:

When does the bill go into effect?

The tax cuts start immediately. The spending cuts are scheduled to begin after Trump leaves office. 

[DCT]

15 hours ago, AggiesAreWe said:

This bill will be cutting my son's benefits.

Not good.

So many young people will suffer.  The old heads on this forum are either clueless or honestly don’t know.  The surface hasn’t been scratched.  Yet I was asked how is it I can see through all the smoke and mirrors.  This was no hidden agenda this was intentional.  Big old ponzi scam.  

[DCT]

On 5/22/2025 at 9:03 PM, baddog said:

I can’t believe you posted that. What a cheap shot.

That was being honest.  Truth hurts sometimes. Honesty is good for the soul.

[baddog]

9 minutes ago, DCT said:

That was being honest.  Truth hurts sometimes. Honesty is good for the soul.

Ok, I’ll be honest. It’s over and done, so let it be. Forgiveness is good for the soul.

[DCT]

5 minutes ago, baddog said:

Ok, I’ll be honest. It’s over and done, so let it be. Forgiveness is good for the soul.

I’ll hold you to that.

[baddog]

5 minutes ago, DCT said:

I’ll hold you to that.

….and I’ll hold you to your concerns with but-buts. 

[Big girl]

55 minutes ago, CardinalBacker said:

The tax cuts start immediately. The spending cuts are scheduled to begin after Trump leaves office. 

Ok. I read that Medicaid cuts dont go into effect until 2027, after the midterm elections. Hopefully something will change. Food stamp cuts start in 2028

[Big girl]

24 minutes ago, baddog said:

Ok, I’ll be honest. It’s over and done, so let it be. Forgiveness is good for the soul.

Joseph told his brothers, what you meant for evil, God meant for good. Now I am calm.

[baddog]

23 minutes ago, DCT said:

I’ll hold you to that.

Are you able to view the military flyovers in S.C.?

[CardinalBacker]

I’m just curious. We’re at 37 trillion or so in debt and interest payments on that debt now make up the second largest component of our federal spending. 
 

The BBB raises our debt ceiling (the amount that the federal government can borrow, and every scoring of the bill shows that it’s going to make our current deficit spending levels increase by 3.5-4.5 Trillion.  Meaning, “we’ve been blowing through cash like drunken sailors, and we’re about to crank up our spending by a couple of notches.”

How do yall, as supposed conservatives, come to terms with your elected officials being anything except fiscally conservative? I’m genuinely confused. Is it a case of “taxation is theft, so I’m for anything that means people pay less in taxes, even if it destroys the country?” Or is more of a “well… it doesn’t seem right, but DJT is a billionaire so he must know what he’s doing” way of thinking?

I’m just confused because most of the somewhat observant people that I know who lean conservative have kinda been like “this is a mess… we can’t keep borrowing to pay our bills. It’s gonna kill us” or something along those lines.  
 

Were y’all never really fiscally conservative (less spending and less taxes), just focusing more on conservative social issues? 
 

My thing is like this… we can’t keep ignoring our deficit spending and debt. They kinda threw the door open to wild borrowing during COVID and liked it, I guess… because they won’t stop.  Raising taxes won’t do the trick when 1 out of every 3 dollars the govt spends is borrowed. Cutting taxes won’t spur enough growth in the private sector to allow us to borrow less, either. The only solution is a good old-fashioned belt tightening. We’re all gonna pay more in taxes and the govt will have to spend less or this thing will never get fixed. I just don’t understand conservatives who believe we can pay less taxes, borrow more heavily to cover our expenses, and assume it’s all going to work out in the end. It’s baffling. 
 

It’s like my old friend who kept buying new vehicles. His plan was to buy high, sell low, and make up the difference in volume. 

[Big girl]

44 minutes ago, CardinalBacker said:

I’m just curious. We’re at 37 trillion or so in debt and interest payments on that debt now make up the second largest component of our federal spending. 
 

The BBB raises our debt ceiling (the amount that the federal government can borrow, and every scoring of the bill shows that it’s going to make our current deficit spending levels increase by 3.5-4.5 Trillion.  Meaning, “we’ve been blowing through cash like drunken sailors, and we’re about to crank up our spending by a couple of notches.”

How do yall, as supposed conservatives, come to terms with your elected officials being anything except fiscally conservative? I’m genuinely confused. Is it a case of “taxation is theft, so I’m for anything that means people pay less in taxes, even if it destroys the country?” Or is more of a “well… it doesn’t seem right, but DJT is a billionaire so he must know what he’s doing” way of thinking?

I’m just confused because most of the somewhat observant people that I know who lean conservative have kinda been like “this is a mess… we can’t keep borrowing to pay our bills. It’s gonna kill us” or something along those lines.  
 

Were y’all never really fiscally conservative (less spending and less taxes), just focusing more on conservative social issues? 
 

My thing is like this… we can’t keep ignoring our deficit spending and debt. They kinda threw the door open to wild borrowing during COVID and liked it, I guess… because they won’t stop.  Raising taxes won’t do the trick when 1 out of every 3 dollars the govt spends is borrowed. Cutting taxes won’t spur enough growth in the private sector to allow us to borrow less, either. The only solution is a good old-fashioned belt tightening. We’re all gonna pay more in taxes and the govt will have to spend less or this thing will never get fixed. I just don’t understand conservatives who believe we can pay less taxes, borrow more heavily to cover our expenses, and assume it’s all going to work out in the end. It’s baffling. 
 

It’s like my old friend who kept buying new vehicles. His plan was to buy high, sell low, and make up the difference in volume. 

I am perplexed; as well.

[LumRaiderFan]

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Rather than just say this is misinformation from the White House, point out specific examples, I’m not a fan of some of the spending either but there’s a lot of nonsensical talking points being floated that folks are simply repeating.

Personally, I wish they would start making cuts to Medicaid until it could be handed off to the states that chose to continue it.  No need at the federal level and will always be easy to commit fraud.

[OlDawg]

1 hour ago, CardinalBacker said:

I’m just curious. We’re at 37 trillion or so in debt and interest payments on that debt now make up the second largest component of our federal spending. 
 

The BBB raises our debt ceiling (the amount that the federal government can borrow, and every scoring of the bill shows that it’s going to make our current deficit spending levels increase by 3.5-4.5 Trillion.  Meaning, “we’ve been blowing through cash like drunken sailors, and we’re about to crank up our spending by a couple of notches.”

How do yall, as supposed conservatives, come to terms with your elected officials being anything except fiscally conservative? I’m genuinely confused. Is it a case of “taxation is theft, so I’m for anything that means people pay less in taxes, even if it destroys the country?” Or is more of a “well… it doesn’t seem right, but DJT is a billionaire so he must know what he’s doing” way of thinking?

I’m just confused because most of the somewhat observant people that I know who lean conservative have kinda been like “this is a mess… we can’t keep borrowing to pay our bills. It’s gonna kill us” or something along those lines.  
 

Were y’all never really fiscally conservative (less spending and less taxes), just focusing more on conservative social issues? 
 

My thing is like this… we can’t keep ignoring our deficit spending and debt. They kinda threw the door open to wild borrowing during COVID and liked it, I guess… because they won’t stop.  Raising taxes won’t do the trick when 1 out of every 3 dollars the govt spends is borrowed. Cutting taxes won’t spur enough growth in the private sector to allow us to borrow less, either. The only solution is a good old-fashioned belt tightening. We’re all gonna pay more in taxes and the govt will have to spend less or this thing will never get fixed. I just don’t understand conservatives who believe we can pay less taxes, borrow more heavily to cover our expenses, and assume it’s all going to work out in the end. It’s baffling. 
 

It’s like my old friend who kept buying new vehicles. His plan was to buy high, sell low, and make up the difference in volume. 

A financial explanation about the debt from someone knowledgeable. I’m for moving what can be moved to the State level after means testing to make sure it’s even necessary. That’s the way it’s supposed to work. It’s going to be a little painful because many have gotten used to big Fed socialism. A better job could have been done with cuts. But, you hear all the screaming at even what was done in this Bill.

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[OlDawg]

3 hours ago, Big girl said:

Ok. I read that Medicaid cuts dont go into effect until 2027, after the midterm elections. Hopefully something will change. Food stamp cuts start in 2028

Not sure how much Texas will be affected by Medicaid & ACA cuts at this time. Texas wasn’t one of the 40 states that expanded coverage & took the Fed bribe money for Medicaid expansion. So, the hit will be a lot less than other states.

The ACA looks like it will roll back the extra money for premiums that were added during COVID unless addressed before end of year in a separate measure. So, costs will go up by a decent amount. Also, the original requirement of income verification every year is coming back. (This was the original requirement anyway. You had to prequalify for a plan every year.) The sign up period has also been shortened.

For ACA coverage, my recommendation is to use a broker. A good broker won’t charge you anything as they’re paid by the insurance companies via a ‘headhunter’ type fee. We’ve always used TXInsurance.com LLC. Husband & wife team. Been around a long time & provide a great service. They handle everything for you. No cost and you never even have to fight with Healthcare.gov. They do it all.

[thetragichippy]

1 hour ago, CardinalBacker said:

I’m just curious. We’re at 37 trillion or so in debt and interest payments on that debt now make up the second largest component of our federal spending. 
 

The BBB raises our debt ceiling (the amount that the federal government can borrow, and every scoring of the bill shows that it’s going to make our current deficit spending levels increase by 3.5-4.5 Trillion.  Meaning, “we’ve been blowing through cash like drunken sailors, and we’re about to crank up our spending by a couple of notches.”

How do yall, as supposed conservatives, come to terms with your elected officials being anything except fiscally conservative? I’m genuinely confused. Is it a case of “taxation is theft, so I’m for anything that means people pay less in taxes, even if it destroys the country?” Or is more of a “well… it doesn’t seem right, but DJT is a billionaire so he must know what he’s doing” way of thinking?

I’m just confused because most of the somewhat observant people that I know who lean conservative have kinda been like “this is a mess… we can’t keep borrowing to pay our bills. It’s gonna kill us” or something along those lines.  
 

Were y’all never really fiscally conservative (less spending and less taxes), just focusing more on conservative social issues? 
 

My thing is like this… we can’t keep ignoring our deficit spending and debt. They kinda threw the door open to wild borrowing during COVID and liked it, I guess… because they won’t stop.  Raising taxes won’t do the trick when 1 out of every 3 dollars the govt spends is borrowed. Cutting taxes won’t spur enough growth in the private sector to allow us to borrow less, either. The only solution is a good old-fashioned belt tightening. We’re all gonna pay more in taxes and the govt will have to spend less or this thing will never get fixed. I just don’t understand conservatives who believe we can pay less taxes, borrow more heavily to cover our expenses, and assume it’s all going to work out in the end. It’s baffling. 
 

It’s like my old friend who kept buying new vehicles. His plan was to buy high, sell low, and make up the difference in volume. 

There is a bunch of conflicting information about this bill…..I don’t give the CBO much credit due to their track record, and the Democrats won’t even give Trump credit for securing the border, so no one should be surprised they are spewing negativities about this bill…..

As for cutting spending….where? The military? The border? Look at what Trump tried with Doge. Doge was going to cut waste, fraud and abuse.  That’s seems like a common sense place to start…BUT… ..Democrats and YOU found fault in that. You criticized them for every thing.

so, politicians are going to politician…..Trump is using his mandate to do what he campaigned on….like I’ve said before, if he is successful, Vance 2028, if not, maybe a Democrat if ya’ll can find someone half normal.

 

[baddog]

17 minutes ago, thetragichippy said:

There is a bunch of conflicting information about this bill…..I don’t give the CBO much credit due to their track record, and the Democrats won’t even give Trump credit for securing the border, so no one should be surprised they are spewing negativities about this bill…..

As for cutting spending….where? The military? The border? Look at what Trump tried with Doge. Doge was going to cut waste, fraud and abuse.  That’s seems like a common sense place to start…BUT… ..Democrats and YOU found fault in that. You criticized them for every thing.

so, politicians are going to politician…..Trump is using his mandate to do what he campaigned on….like I’ve said before, if he is successful, Vance 2028, if not, maybe a Democrat if ya’ll can find someone half normal.

 

Jeffries is a good example. He will always be known for his long speeches that achieved absolutely nothing, while also exposing the fact that he, nor any other democrats, have a solution or even so much as a whim. He never has anything positive to say. With that last comment, you’re setting the bar pretty high.

[CardinalBacker]

55 minutes ago, thetragichippy said:

There is a bunch of conflicting information about this bill…..I don’t give the CBO much credit due to their track record, and the Democrats won’t even give Trump credit for securing the border, so no one should be surprised they are spewing negativities about this bill…..

As for cutting spending….where? The military? The border? Look at what Trump tried with Doge. Doge was going to cut waste, fraud and abuse.  That’s seems like a common sense place to start…BUT… ..Democrats and YOU found fault in that. You criticized them for every thing.

so, politicians are going to politician…..Trump is using his mandate to do what he campaigned on….like I’ve said before, if he is successful, Vance 2028, if not, maybe a Democrat if ya’ll can find someone half normal.

 

No offense, but needing the VP to tie break the Senate’s 50-50 deadlock isn’t a mandate. 
 

My opinion? No new tax breaks and let the 2017 breaks expire- and cut where we can- but it’s going to hurt. The old “I paid it in-it’s mine” mindset is tired and played out. I had really hoped that my generation (X) would be the ones capable of making the selfless decisions that boomers couldn’t make. 
 

At some point we’re not going to be able to kick the can any further down the road. Social Security runs out of funding in 2033… is that when we finally decide to make the hard decisions? Our way of life isn’t sustainable. Why are we cutting taxes on rich people?

[baddog]

31 minutes ago, CardinalBacker said:

No offense, but needing the VP to tie break the Senate’s 50-50 deadlock isn’t a mandate. 
 

My opinion? No new tax breaks and let the 2017 breaks expire- and cut where we can- but it’s going to hurt. The old “I paid it in-it’s mine” mindset is tired and played out. I had really hoped that my generation (X) would be the ones capable of making the selfless decisions that boomers couldn’t make. 
 

At some point we’re not going to be able to kick the can any further down the road. Social Security runs out of funding in 2033… is that when we finally decide to make the hard decisions? Our way of life isn’t sustainable. Why are we cutting taxes on rich people?

I paid it in for those ahead of me. The government is the best for distribution, since they are already so far up our keisters, monitoring our bank accounts and what we purchase. Thanks to those hard workers behind me helping me through what remains of my time here on earth. It really works well if there is no fraud and abuse.