The National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) is deeply concerned about the far-reaching consequences of the passage of President Trump’s Tax-Cut and Spending Bill, referred to by its advocates as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” or by its bill designation, H.R. 1.
While framed as a sweeping fiscal overhaul, this legislation includes unprecedented cuts to essential health and social programs – the very safety net that keeps millions of Americans out of poverty. Furthermore, the bill allocates tens of billions of dollars toward immigration enforcement (ICE and DHS), national security, and tax benefits that largely favor the wealthiest Americans – financed through both deep cuts to safety net programs and a significant increase to the national debt ceiling.
If enacted, it would represent one of the most consequential redistributions of public resources in recent history. Its impact will be immediate and long-lasting, threatening the well-being of families, the stability of community-based institutions, and the ability of frontline providers to deliver care.
The Direct Impact on the Health of Millions of Americans
- Health Coverage for Millions at Risk
With over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, the bill could strip health insurance from at least 17 million Americans, including low-income children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. In many states, particularly rural ones, hospitals are bracing for funding losses exceeding 20%, threatening their ability to operate and serve their communities. - Increasing Food Insecurity
The bill includes a $186 billion reduction in SNAP, the nation’s most vital nutrition assistance program. These cuts would increase food insecurity across the country and place additional strain on food pantries and nonprofit service providers already stretched thin. - Millions of Children Excluded from Tax Relief
Roughly 17 million children in low-income households would be excluded from expanded tax credits because their families don’t earn enough to qualify under new income thresholds. These exclusions deepen existing inequities and disproportionately harm the poorest households. - Harmful New Medicaid Work Requirements
New mandates would require adults to work at least 80 hours per month until age 65 to retain Medicaid coverage. This policy shifts healthcare access from a basic need to a conditional benefit, creating barriers for caregivers, those in unstable jobs, and individuals managing health challenges. - Additional Health Access Restrictions
The bill bars Medicaid from funding Planned Parenthood, dramatically reducing access to cancer screenings and contraception for women.
The Broader Societal Impact
This bill poses a direct threat to both the delivery of care and the economic sustainability of hospitals, health centers, and service providers across urban, suburban, and rural America.
- Nonprofit health providers, clinics, and social service agencies are already facing resource constraints and will experience growing demand with reduced support.
- Emergency room usage and uncompensated care will rise, increasing healthcare costs for everyone.
- Immigrant and refugee communities, rural families, and low-wage workers will face even greater barriers to stability.
- Working families will see reduced support, while higher-income households benefit from expanded tax breaks.
At NNAAC, we understand that strong communities depend on strong support systems. We recognize the long-term cost of stripping people of preventive care, food access, and basic economic security. These are not just safety net programs – they are pathways that help individuals and families move out of poverty and toward greater self-sufficiency.
We remain committed to working alongside our partners, advocates, and policymakers to strengthen – not erode – these essential supports and ensure our communities are treated with the dignity and investment they deserve.