Senate Passes Megabill: Murkowski’s Vote Fuels Outrage
After intense negotiations, the Senate narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with the final version totaling 887 pages. Senator Murkowski secured key provisions, including waivers for SNAP cost-sharing that favored Alaska and tax breaks for Alaskan fishing interests, despite failed attempts to include Medicaid provisions. The bill’s passage involved a “wraparound” amendment, which eliminated certain taxes and also doubled the rural hospital fund to $50 billion, while also phasing out solar and wind tax credits. The bill faces challenges in the House, where concerns exist among both conservative and moderate members regarding its financial implications.
John Q. Hosedrinker