WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Pass the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

5/19/2025

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Action Summary

Legislative Purpose: The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” is positioned as a once-in-a-generation legislative package intended to advance President Trump’s agenda by promoting energy independence, border security, tax reform, and economic growth.
Energy & Environment:
- Energy Dominance: Repeal of the Biden-era menthane tax and unlocking oil and gas development on federal lands to boost American energy production.
Border Security & Immigration:
- Enhanced Security Measures: Funding for border wall construction, increased ICE officers, detention facilities, and enhanced Customs and Border Patrol efforts.
Infrastructure & Aviation Modernization:
- FAA Upgrades: A $12.5 billion investment aimed at modernizing air traffic control systems and infrastructure, ensuring technological upgrades and safety in aviation.
Tax Reform & Small Business Support:
- Pro-Growth Measures: Permanent extensions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, increased small business tax deductions, and restoration of 100% immediate expensing to stimulate investment and job creation.
Telecommunications & Innovation:
- Spectrum & Industry Investments: Specific tax and spectrum provisions that support the wireless industry’s ability to invest, create jobs, and drive economic innovation.
Sector-Specific Benefits:
- Manufacturing & Equipment: Incentives for capital investment and economic growth crucial to sectors like independent equipment suppliers and construction-related industries.
- Aggregate & R&D Supports: Provisions such as bonus depreciation and research tax credits that benefit industries like aggregates, small businesses, and family enterprises.
Social & Economic Equity Concerns:
- Impacts on Vulnerable Groups: Warnings that failure to pass the bill may result in significant tax increases impacting middle and low-income families, seniors, and small business owners, with specific references to the potential loss of child tax credits and increased corporate rates.
Broad Coalition of Support:
- Stakeholder Endorsements: Endorsements from a wide range of groups—including energy, aviation, small business, technology, veterans, and conservative advocacy organizations—emphasize the bill’s potential to drive economic growth and secure national interests.

Risks & Considerations

The proposed “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” emphasizes significant tax reforms and regulatory changes, which could lead to shifts in federal funding priorities. This may impact Vanderbilt University’s reliance on federal education funds, particularly if budget allocations are redirected towards energy and infrastructure projects.
The bill’s focus on energy dominance and deregulation could affect research funding and partnerships related to environmental and energy studies at Vanderbilt. The university may need to reassess its research priorities and funding strategies to align with the new federal focus.
Changes in immigration policies, as highlighted in the bill, could impact Vanderbilt’s international student population and faculty recruitment, potentially affecting the university’s diversity and global perspectives.
The emphasis on tax cuts and economic growth may lead to increased competition for private grants and donations, as businesses and individuals adjust to new tax structures. Vanderbilt may need to enhance its fundraising efforts to mitigate potential reductions in federal support.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Research Programs in energy and environmental studies may face challenges in securing federal grants if funding priorities shift towards traditional energy sectors.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services may need to adapt to changes in immigration policies, ensuring continued support for international students and faculty.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate potential changes in federal funding for education and student aid programs.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could see increased demand for expertise in policy analysis and educational reform, particularly in response to changes in federal education policies.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards energy and infrastructure projects could impact the funding landscape for higher education, potentially leading to reduced financial support for universities like Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize sectors highlighted in the bill, such as energy and infrastructure.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in areas aligned with the bill’s priorities, such as energy innovation and infrastructure development.
As tax reforms are implemented, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 4 (The bill presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and funding strategies.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the progress of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” to assess its potential impacts on federal funding and regulatory changes that could affect the university’s operations, particularly in areas related to energy, immigration, and tax policies.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy should consider conducting research and hosting discussions on the implications of the bill’s provisions on American democracy, particularly in terms of border security and tax reforms, to provide thought leadership and engage with policymakers.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Office should evaluate the potential financial impacts of the proposed tax changes on the university’s budget and endowment, and develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects while exploring opportunities for financial growth.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could explore the educational implications of the bill, particularly in terms of its impact on educational funding and policy, to align its programs with potential new federal priorities.
Vanderbilt’s Immigration Services should prepare for potential changes in immigration policies that could affect international students and faculty, ensuring that the university remains a welcoming and supportive environment for its diverse community.

Opportunities

The bill’s focus on energy and infrastructure presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to engage in research and development projects that align with national priorities, potentially securing federal grants and partnerships.
Vanderbilt can leverage the bill’s emphasis on small business support to enhance its entrepreneurship programs, fostering innovation and collaboration with local businesses and startups.
The proposed tax reforms could provide an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to offer expertise and training on navigating the new tax landscape, benefiting both students and the broader business community.
By engaging with policymakers and stakeholders, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on economic and social policy, hosting forums and workshops to discuss the bill’s implications and foster informed public discourse.

Relevance Score: 4 (The bill presents potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on funding, regulatory, and policy areas.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.2

Timeline for Implementation

Immediate action required – Congress is urged to act “immediately” and “swiftly” to pass the bill.

No specific number of days is provided; the language indicates an urgent, immediate response.

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The legislation allocates $12.5 billion to modernize air traffic facilities and systems, directly impacting the FAA’s operations and long-term infrastructure planning.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Proposals within the bill call for enhanced funding and support for border security measures, directly affecting CBP’s operational and training capabilities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): The plan includes provisions for increasing ICE personnel by 10,000 officers to boost border security efforts, impacting its enforcement activities.
Department of Transportation (DoT): Overseeing the FAA and broader national transportation infrastructure, the DoT is directly involved in executing the modernization initiatives outlined in the bill.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between three and five government organizations are impacted by the proposed legislation.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – The text does not specify any directives for implementation by designated government officials; it contains advocacy and commentary urging Congress to act rather than issuing executive directives.

Relevance Score: 1 (The article lacks specific directives aimed at any governmental agency or high-level officials.)