Wednesday, 02 July 2025

TENN STATE REP LEE REEVES: Congress must pass President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill now


It’s time for lawmakers in Washington to stop freelancing and start running the plays President Trump calls.

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As the state representative for Tennessee's 65th District, I've heard loud and clear from the hardworking people of Williamson County: They want a government that delivers results—not excuses.

Right now, Congress has a golden opportunity to do just that by passing President Donald J. Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This transformative legislation, which passed the House by a narrow margin of 215-214 votes on May 22 and passed the US Senate for debate, is a bold blueprint for prosperity, security, and opportunity.

Unfortunately, this critical bill—one that cuts taxes, secures the border, and begins undoing the spending excesses of the Biden presidency—is now stalled in the Senate. The Senate should act with urgency: Pass this bill and send it to President Trump's desk by July 4, ensuring that we don't miss this crucial opportunity for progress.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a direct response to the 77 million Americans who re-elected President Trump in 2024, including thousands of my constituents in Franklin, Fairview, Thompson's Station, and Leiper's Fork. This bill is good for America—and good for Tennessee.

At 1,116 pages, this legislation is Big. And it is Beautiful, because it delivers on the America First agenda.

It extends the 2017 tax cuts, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, and creates new deductions for American-made vehicles. It establishes "Trump savings accounts" to provide newborns with a financial foundation and increases the child tax credit to $2,500 for working families. These provisions put money back into the pockets of servers, truck drivers, young families, and small business owners — the people who keep Tennessee's economy running.

Security is another cornerstone, aligning with one of my top priorities: addressing illegal immigration. The bill provides $46.5 billion to complete the border wall, funds 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, and allocates $6 billion to hire and retain Border Patrol agents.

Here in Tennessee, we know the devastating impact of unsecured borders—human trafficking, fentanyl, and crime spill into our communities. In the Tennessee General Assembly, I've been working to "demagnetize" our state from illegal immigration. This bill furthers that goal, aligning with our shared values of safety and security. It sends a clear message: We will enforce our laws and secure our borders.

The bill also invests in our military and funds the Golden Dome missile defense system. That means peace of mind for Tennessee families — and a stronger, safer America in an increasingly dangerous world.

Some Democrats have falsely labeled this bill a "tax scam" and claim it kills programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Let me set the record straight: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act modernizes these programs to ensure they serve those who truly need them — not those gaming the system. Work requirements for able-bodied adults, starting in 2026, reinforce the dignity of work — a value Tennesseans understand and respect.

I've heard concerns from a few Senate Republicans about the bill's cost or specific provisions. I respect their caution. As a fiscal conservative who has run a small business and met payroll, I understand the need for restraint. But we cannot let minor disagreements derail a bill of this importance. And we can't ignore the consequences of inaction. Letting the 2017 tax cuts expire would result in a $4.5 trillion tax increase. Rest assured, this bill is fiscally responsible and will not burden our economy. 

My constituents are tired of Washington's gridlock. They want lower taxes, secure borders, and a government that works for them—not against them. 

In football, a team succeeds when it trusts its quarterback to call the plays and executes them with precision. President Trump has proven, both in his first term and now in his return to the White House, that he has the vision, boldness, and instincts to lead our nation forward.

His America First agenda—rooted in economic strength, border security, and individual liberty—sets the tone for what Congress must prioritize. It’s time for lawmakers in Washington to stop freelancing and start running the plays President Trump calls.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers. I urge Congress to pass it without delay. I support its passage, and I appreciate President Trump's leadership in advancing these priorities for Tennessee and the nation.


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