July 3, 2025
Photo by Connor Gan on Unsplash
WASHINGTON— In a narrow 218-214 vote on Thursday July 3rd, the U.S. House of
Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1), advancing President Donald Trump’s sweeping legislative agenda ahead of the July 4th deadline. If signed into law with full Senate revisions, the bill could reshape healthcare, education, and immigration, dramatically affecting college students nationwide.
The bill introduces substantial cuts to Medicaid, totaling approximately $930 billion over ten years. It imposes stricter eligibility verification and work requirements, potentially leading to 12 million adults losing coverage. These changes may affect students who rely on Medicaid for healthcare services, particularly those from lower income backgrounds.
Additionally, the legislation alters the Affordable Care Act’s insurance marketplaces by reducing subsidies and shortening enrollment periods. These modifications could increase out of pocket costs for students purchasing insurance through these exchanges.
The act includes$3.8 trillion in tax cuts, extending the 2017 tax reforms and introducing new reductions, such as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. While these changes aim to benefit working individuals, the accompanying spending cuts raise concerns about the long-term implications for public services that students may depend on.
The bill allocates$91 billion for border security enhancements, including funding for a border wall and increased Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) personnel. It also enforces stricter immigration policies, which may affect international students and campus diversity initiatives.
The legislation enacts significant changes to higher education funding and policy. It reduces the maximum Pell Grant from $7,395 to $5,710 and imposes stricter eligibility requirements, potentially affecting low and middle income students. Federal work study contributions are also reduced, and eligibility for noncitizen students, including some refugees, is eliminated.
The bill caps graduate and Parent PLUS loans, removes deferments for economic hardship, and excludes residency time from loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, it imposes higher taxes on university endowments, potentially reducing financial aid resources at institutions. A provision to expand Pell Grants to short-term work force programs was removed from the bill due to Senate procedural rules, despite bipartisan support.
For ERAU students, the legislation’s implications are multifaceted. The healthcare provisions may limit access to affordable medical services, while tax reforms could have mixed effects depending on individual circumstances. The immigration measures may influence the university’s international student population and related programs. The changes to higher education funding and loan programs may affect students’ ability to finance their education and access necessary support services.
As the bill becomes law, students are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and seek guidance from university resources to navigate the evolving landscape.
