ND North News

The U.S. Senate has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) with a narrow vote of 51 to 50. This legislation, backed by President Donald Trump, aims to extend the 2017 tax cuts permanently and includes measures to enhance American energy production, support agriculture, reduce federal spending, and invest in defense capabilities.

According to projections, the OBBBA will significantly cut the national deficit over the next decade. The Congressional Budget Office estimates a reduction of $507 billion, while the Council of Economic Advisors predicts a decrease exceeding $2 trillion.

Senator Kevin Cramer expressed his support for the bill, stating: “What we did with this vote today is took a decisive step toward implementing President Trump’s agenda and restoring some fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C., which has been missing for several decades."

The legislation makes permanent extensions to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, offering relief for working Americans and businesses. It also supports small businesses through provisions like preserving deductions that encourage job creation.

In terms of energy policy, the OBBBA phases out tax credits for wind and solar projects while promoting nuclear and other reliable energy sources. It introduces changes beneficial to North Dakota's coal and oil industries.

On border security, the bill allocates substantial funding for constructing barriers along over 2,300 miles of border and enhancing resources for U.S. Border Patrol and ICE. This includes investments in technology such as AI-powered inspection systems.

Agricultural support within the bill raises reference prices under existing programs and enhances crop insurance options. Additionally, it proposes reforms in Medicaid aimed at reducing waste while maintaining services for vulnerable populations.

Defense investments include $25 billion allocated to Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system among other military advancements. The bill also invests heavily in infrastructure improvements across various sectors including aviation safety enhancements.