Washington D.C. — July 3, 2025 — A comprehensive new legislative package being referred to by lawmakers and pundits alike as the “One Big Ugly Bill” is drawing strong opposition across political lines this week, with critics labeling it a “disgusting abomination” with backroom deals, excessive spending and competing priorities.
The Comprehensive National Renewal Act was proposed as a bipartisan compromise that would address several pressing issues, including border security, tax reform, climate policy and defense spending. Yet instead of uniting lawmakers behind one document, this 2,200-page document has caused outrage between factions.
Senator Rand Hollis of Texas was among its strongest opponents and described this bill as an incomprehensible “Frankenstein monster of legislative failure.” Essentially, its authors “crammed immigration loopholes, corporate giveaways and green subsidies all into one bill that expects us to swallow whole. It’s truly offensive.”
An Unholy Alliance of Interests
The bill has apparently emerged through closed-door negotiations between congressional leaders and White House aides over the past two months, reportedly including over $3 trillion worth of spending reforms impacting every sector of U.S. economic activity.
Supporters believe the bill represents an ambitious solution to complex national challenges, including:
$300 billion has been pledged towards climate resilience and clean energy projects worldwide.
Defense and cybersecurity upgrades worth $250 billion were spent during 2018.
Millions are eligible for conditional legal status under Immigration provisions that provide conditional legal status to millions.
Tax changes aimed at closing corporate loopholes while simultaneously lowering middle-class tax rates
Infrastructure projects, education grants and broadband expansion in rural communities.
Critics assert that due to its size, scope, and disparate elements, it would be impossible for most people to support.
Rep. Tara McMillan (R-FL) claimed: “You cannot simultaneously address both border security and immigration expansion in one bill.” She went on to assert: “Cutting corporate tax rates while simultaneously increasing environmental regulations makes no sense; this bill encapsulates everything wrong with Washington.”
Progressives and Conservatives Are Outraged Over Recent Developments
Republicans have generally attacked the bill as financially irresponsible and ideologically inconsistent; many progressive Democrats, meanwhile, have voiced concern over concessions given to large businesses and the military-industrial complex.
Rep. Andrea Villanueva (D-NY) said “this agreement is no compromise but rather a capitulation”, as they granted fossil fuel companies new subsidies while weakening protections for workers and the environment. I never came to Congress in order to rubberstamp corporate greed.
Outside Capitol Hill, watchdog and advocacy organizations have come out against the bill in force. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget labeled it reckless and opaque while lobbyists had wielded unprecedented influence behind-the-scenes.
Although the bill has faced criticism, its passage is scheduled for floor vote next week. According to congressional leadership, this legislation offers the best chance at breaking years of political deadlock.
“Is it perfect? No,” stated House Majority Leader Brian Keating (D-CA). “However, action must be taken over inaction.” The bill provides wins for both parties involved; walking away would mean giving up real progress made towards real change.
Still, with growing numbers of lawmakers from both parties promising not to support it, its future remains unclear.
As debate rages on, one thing has become abundantly clear: Washington is united by their frustration toward this bill despite not being able to reach a compromise solution.