Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) delivered sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump’s proposed legislation—dubbed the “Big, Ugly Bill”—as the Senate began floor debate this week. Schumer warned that the bill would slash funding for vital public programs while inflating the national debt by over $3 trillion.
“This bill is nothing more than a billionaire giveaway that will gut critical programs and saddle Americans with an unsustainable $4 trillion debt spike,” Schumer said during his remarks from the Senate floor.
He thanked staff and Senate colleagues who participated in the overnight reading of the lengthy bill, calling attention to the dedication of floor staff and the cloakroom team. “You are the unsung heroes of what goes on here,” Schumer noted. “Without your strength and perseverance, none of this work would be possible.”
According to Senate Democrats, the proposed legislation could result in sweeping cuts to health care, education, and social safety net programs while delivering large tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest Americans.
The heated debate over the bill is expected to intensify in the coming days, as both parties lay out competing visions for fiscal policy and economic recovery.
