Crapo: One Big Beautiful Bill won’t ‘explode the national debt’ | Opinion

National debt

Claiming that the One Big Beautiful Bill will “explode the national debt” is plain wrong.

According to a more accurate estimate by the Congressional Budget Office, it cuts federal spending by over $1.5 trillion and reduces the deficit by $400 billion. That doesn’t include the bill’s pro-growth elements, which the Council of Economic Advisers estimates will increase federal revenues by more than $4 trillion, adding up to nearly $4.5 trillion in deficit reduction.

Contrary to the “politics of fear” that Democrats employ, it strengthens and improves spending programs, like Medicaid, by targeting waste, fraud and abuse. And despite false narratives about “tax cuts for billionaires,” the reality is this legislation not only prevents massive across-the-board tax hikes, but provides additional tax relief that overwhelmingly benefits low- and middle-class families and workers. Through policies like a boosted standard deduction, expanded benefits for child care, no taxes on tips or overtime, and tax relief for seniors, working class Americans are the biggest winners under this bill.

In addition to historic mandatory spending reductions, deficit reduction and tax relief, the bill invests in our border, modernizes our military and restores American energy dominance. I’d call that a win for Idahoans and all Americans.

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho

Do the math

I sent this email to Senator Mike Crapo on July 5:

“OK you passed it. Now I would like an explanation on how this bill is not going to balloon the national debt: The extra funding to the military $150 BILLION; Homeland Security, ICE, CBP, Border Patrol etc. over $50 BILLION that I assume is going to be spent ASAP. The bill gives “no tax on tips” (cash only), senior extra paltry deduction, slight child tax credit, which starts now and will add slightly to the debt in next year’s budget AND of course helps people, so it will expire in three years (thanks for nothing). Now the supposed savings from Medicaid and SNAP cuts start in 2028, which by the time they are realized, the interest on the $200 plus BILLION will eat them up. Please explain to me how this works. I truly want to hear your spin on this.”

Jerry Hayward, Featherville

Fulcher response

When I reached out to Rep. Fulcher’s Meridian office with questions about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” specifically, whether Medicaid or marketplace coverage in Idaho could be cut, the intern responded that I was misinformed. Yet credible reporting shows this bill cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid nationally, which may leave roughly 40,000 Idahoans uninsured and eliminate marketplace discounts for another 35,000.

Which is it? Did I misunderstand, or is this important information being downplayed? Idahoans deserve clarity. We need transparency on how many families stand to lose coverage, the details of those cuts, and how this aligns with the bill’s touted benefits for “working families.”

Rather than dismissing constituents as misinformed, I urge Rep. Fulcher to explain with real numbers — not slogans. This is a serious issue affecting our community’s health and financial security. A clear, data-based response would go further than party talking points.

Thank you for providing thoughtful, local coverage and holding our leaders accountable.

Christena Meier, Kuna

Climate change

Idaho has a vital role to play in addressing climate change. From worsening wildfires to rising energy bills, low-income Idahoans already suffer the consequences of a warming planet. And globally, those who’ve contributed least to greenhouse gas emissions are bearing the heaviest burdens.

Now is not the time to dismantle the very tools we rely on to understand and prepare for climate threats. The recent mass layoffs at NOAA, including hundreds of National Weather Service staff, undermine public safety and climate resilience. Gutting scientific agencies won’t stop wildfires, droughts, or floods – it will just leave us less prepared.

Our elected leaders must hear from us: We care about science, we care about climate action, and we vote. Let’s speak up and protect the systems that protect us.

Liz Alexander, Nampa

Education

Our founding mothers and fathers valued educated citizens. They made sure education would be available to all by enshrining public school funding in the state Constitution so ALL kids can go to school.

But what is going on with our state budget? We’re coming up short this year by a projected $141.5 million. Funding for public education may suffer holdbacks due to falling revenue.

Our legislators voted last winter to spend $50 million on a private school voucher scheme and sweeping tax handouts tilted toward the wealthy. Governor Little said these giveaways were too deep but he still signed the bills into law. These carve-outs will not be clawed back but the Idaho Department of Education has warned that every public school district in the state could lose funding.

Now what will we do? The price will be paid by our kids in our underfunded public schools throughout the state. You can do something about this. Research the candidates and vote for people who will fund public education.

Kayla Dodson, Boise

Fourth of July

I usually send July 4th greetings about American pride and patriotism. Instead, I sent letters to Idaho politicians expressing feelings of betrayal and disgust by their action to serve a handful of elites, while the most vulnerable among our citizens are hit the hardest by their actions.

I don’t understand the intricacies of the bill and doubt the politicians do either, but it was pushed through to be signed into law on July 4th to placate one man’s ego.

I don’t see how moving the Discovery space shuttle reduces the prices Americans pay for daily expenses or how a lavish make-over of the Performing Arts Kennedy Center makes sense while cutting funding for public broadcasting, a service many Idahoans rely on for basic information, but these are part of the bill.

I’m not savvy about politics, but I know I am not alone in feeling that elected politicians have let us down. I hope whatever is being held over their heads, whatever threats they are yielding to, are worth the consequences to the millions that will be affected most by the bill.

My patriotism for this country and the Constitution is strong and my American flag continues to fly…upside down.

Debra Helton, Eagle

Deficit

I feel old. I remember when Republicans cared about the budget deficit. I’m so old, I remember Republicans caring about the deficit even when there was a Republican president. I miss those days.

Gary Guiles, Boise

This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 4:00 AM.