The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” narrowly passed the House with sweeping changes that extend far beyond its headline tax and immigration provisions, containing hidden clauses that could fundamentally alter judicial authority, AI regulation, and financial landscapes for years to come.
At a Glance
- The bill passed by a razor-thin 215-214 vote, combining tax cuts with restrictions on judicial powers and establishing “Trump” savings accounts
- A controversial provision would limit federal courts’ ability to enforce injunctions against the administration by requiring plaintiffs to post bonds
- States would be prohibited from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years while the bill extends 2017 estate tax cuts
- The legislation eliminates the excise tax on firearm silencers and allows revocation of tax-exempt status for nonprofits deemed “terrorist-supporting”
- The bill now moves to the Senate where significant changes are expected
Core Components and Tax Provisions
House Republicans pushed through President Trump’s legislative package early Thursday, advancing a comprehensive bill that aims to make permanent the tax cuts from his first term while introducing new tax breaks for both individuals and businesses. The legislation temporarily increases standard deductions and child tax credits while raising the cap on state and local tax deductions, measures designed to provide immediate relief to American families while encouraging business investment through temporary tax provisions.
The bill proposes repealing clean energy tax credits as an offset for anticipated revenue losses, highlighting the administration’s shift away from green energy initiatives. It also includes expanded Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing them to cover gym memberships while increasing contribution limits for certain taxpayers. Perhaps most significantly, the legislation extends the 2017 estate tax cuts, effectively ensuring that only a tiny fraction of estates—approximately 0.08 percent—would face taxation.
Trump and House Republicans quietly added a dangerous clause to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1, 119th Congress) that would make it harder for courts to hold government officials accountable — even if they break the law. The clause says courts can’t enforce their orders… pic.twitter.com/2JfcmAr2l5
— David Earl Williams III (@dewforpolitics) May 25, 2025
Hidden Judicial Limitations
Buried within the expansive legislation is a provision that legal experts warn could severely restrict the judiciary’s ability to enforce its decisions against the executive branch. The measure prohibits courts from using funds to enforce contempt citations for non-compliance with injunctions or temporary restraining orders in cases where no security was posted by plaintiffs. This technical-sounding clause could have profound implications for constitutional checks and balances.
“The provision ‘would make most existing injunctions—in antitrust cases, police reform cases, school desegregation cases, and others—unenforceable,” said Erwin Chemerinsky.
Critics argue this provision appears specifically designed to protect the Trump administration from legal challenges, as it has faced numerous injunctions in courts nationwide. Legal scholars point out that this restriction on judicial authority may be unconstitutional, as it strikes at a fundamental power of the federal judiciary. The ability to enforce court orders through contempt citations has long been considered essential to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring compliance with judicial decisions.
— P a u l ◉ (@SkylineReport) May 24, 2025
Novel Financial Instruments and AI Restrictions
The legislation introduces “Trump” savings accounts for children, featuring government contributions and restrictions on withdrawals. These accounts represent a new approach to encouraging long-term financial planning and investment, though critics question the branding of government financial instruments with a president’s name. Simultaneously, the bill repeals the recently launched “Direct File” tax filing program, with the possibility of a replacement pending a Treasury Department report.
Perhaps most surprising is the bill’s approach to artificial intelligence regulation. While integrating AI into federal government operations, the legislation prohibits states from regulating artificial intelligence for a full decade. This federal preemption represents an extraordinary restriction on states’ traditional regulatory authority and could have far-reaching implications for technology policy as AI development accelerates. The provision effectively centralizes AI regulatory power in Washington while the technology is still in its formative stages.
Additional Controversial Provisions
The legislation eliminates the excise tax on firearm silencers, a move that gun safety advocates strongly oppose. The group Giffords, which works to reduce gun violence, has warned that silencers make it more difficult to recognize gunfire and locate active shooters, potentially hampering law enforcement response. The bill also prohibits Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood, reinforcing conservative priorities on reproductive health funding.
“House Republicans early Thursday took a major step forward on President Donald Trump’s agenda, approving a legislative package that combines tax breaks, spending cuts, border security funding and other priorities,” reported Associated Press.
In a significant shift affecting charitable organizations, the bill grants the administration authority to revoke tax-exempt status for nonprofits deemed to be “terrorist-supporting.” While targeting organizations with links to terrorism has bipartisan support, critics worry about potential overreach without clear guidelines for making such determinations. Simultaneously, the legislation repeals a tax write-off previously available to tobacco companies, increasing their excise tax burden in a rare instance where the bill actually increases taxes on a specific industry.
