Washington state leaders react as One Big Beautiful Bill clears the House

The "One Big Beautiful Bill," which includes substantial tax breaks and spending cuts, passed the House on July 3 by a narrow margin of four votes. U. S. Representative Rick Larsen, a vocal opponent, warned that the bill could lead to the loss of health insurance for 34,000 to 46,000 people in Bellingham and surrounding areas due to Medicaid cuts. Larsen pointed out that 14 rural hospitals in Washington might be at risk of shutting down as a direct consequence of these cuts.

U. S. Senator Patty Murray raised concerns that the bill would also eliminate clean energy tax credits, increasing operational costs for farmers across the state. Governor Bob Ferguson criticized the legislation, calling it a betrayal of the American public. Larsen emphasized that the cuts do not aim to reduce the deficit but instead serve to fund tax cuts for wealthy Americans and large corporations.

President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on July 4. The local implications of this legislation raise significant concerns about healthcare access and agricultural economics in Washington.