WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: One, Big, Beautiful Bill Clears House

5/22/2025

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Action Summary

Legislative Milestone: The House passed President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” a reconciliation package aimed at cementing an America First agenda emphasizing prosperity, opportunity, and security.
Agricultural & Rural Support:
- Modernizes farm bill programs with updated reference prices and critical tax provisions.
- Ensures permanent business tax deductions and estate tax exemptions to help small farmers and ranchers pass assets to future generations.
Tax Reform & Economic Growth:
- Extends historic tax cuts for small businesses, manufacturers, and individual taxpayers.
- Makes permanent key provisions, including elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, such as the small business deduction and reduced individual rates.
Infrastructure & Industry Investments:
- Allocates $12.5 billion for modernizing FAA air traffic control facilities, systems, and staffing to support the aviation sector.
- Supports investments in surface transportation, energy innovation, and customs personnel, enhancing American competitiveness.
Business & Sector Endorsements:
- Received widespread support from diverse groups including the Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturing, and small business associations.
- Endorsed by industry groups such as Airlines for America, National Petroleum Institute, and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors for pro-growth policies.
Border & National Security Enhancements:
- Includes measures to bolster border security with increased funds and manpower for ICE operations and enhanced enforcement against illegal activities.
- Aims to make infrastructure and technology gains on the borders permanent.
Additional Provisions:
- Removes regulatory barriers by eliminating restrictions on suppressors under the National Firearms Act, supporting Second Amendment rights.
- Incorporates school choice incentives and housing-related tax measures to further support American families and communities.

Risks & Considerations

The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” emphasizes tax reforms and infrastructure investments, which could lead to changes in federal funding allocations. This may impact Vanderbilt University’s reliance on federal education funds, potentially affecting research and event funding.
The bill’s focus on tax relief for small businesses and individuals could alter the economic landscape, influencing the financial strategies of educational institutions like Vanderbilt. Adjustments may be needed to align with new tax policies and incentives.
Provisions related to energy dominance and infrastructure improvements could present opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in research and development projects, particularly in areas related to energy and technology.
The emphasis on border security and immigration policies may affect the university’s international student population, which comprises 10% of its graduate students. Changes in immigration policies could impact diversity and global perspectives within the university community.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Financial Aid Office may need to reassess its strategies to accommodate potential changes in student demographics and financial needs resulting from the new tax policies.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a role in supporting local businesses and communities affected by the economic shifts brought about by the bill, fostering partnerships and collaborations.
Research Centers focused on energy, technology, and infrastructure may find new opportunities for funding and collaboration, aligning with the bill’s emphasis on these sectors.
The International Student Office may need to address potential challenges related to immigration policy changes, ensuring support for international students and maintaining the university’s global diversity.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards tax relief and infrastructure projects could impact the availability of grants and funding for educational institutions, necessitating adjustments in Vanderbilt’s funding strategies.
Opportunities for securing funding in energy and infrastructure research may increase, providing potential avenues for Vanderbilt to expand its research initiatives and partnerships.
Changes in tax policies could influence the financial planning and budgeting processes of the university, requiring strategic adjustments to align with the new economic environment.
The potential impact on international student enrollment due to immigration policy changes could affect tuition revenue and the university’s financial outlook.

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

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the progress of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” in the Senate, as its passage could impact federal funding and tax policies that affect the university’s financial planning and operations.
Vanderbilt’s Financial Planning Office should evaluate the potential effects of permanent tax relief and incentives on the university’s endowment and financial strategies, ensuring alignment with new federal tax policies.
Vanderbilt’s Research and Innovation Office should explore opportunities for collaboration with industries benefiting from the bill, such as aviation and energy, to secure research funding and partnerships that align with the university’s strategic goals.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should consider engaging with initiatives related to infrastructure modernization, particularly in aviation and energy sectors, to enhance research and educational programs.
Vanderbilt’s Peabody College should assess the implications of potential school choice tax credits on educational policy and funding, positioning itself as a thought leader in education reform discussions.

Opportunities

The bill’s focus on tax relief and economic growth presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to develop programs and research initiatives that address the evolving needs of businesses and entrepreneurs in a changing economic landscape.
Vanderbilt’s Law School can leverage the legislative changes to offer expertise and guidance on the legal implications of tax reforms and regulatory adjustments, enhancing its role as a leader in legal education and policy analysis.
The emphasis on energy and infrastructure development provides Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering with opportunities to expand research and educational offerings in these critical areas, fostering innovation and collaboration with industry partners.
Vanderbilt’s Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions can engage in research and public discourse on the broader societal impacts of the bill, contributing to national conversations on economic policy and governance.

Relevance Score: 4 (The bill presents potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on funding, tax policies, and strategic partnerships.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – There is no explicit numeric timeline or deadline mentioned; the directives use urging language (e.g., “swiftly,” “as soon as possible”) without quantification.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The legislation includes a $12.5 billion investment to modernize air traffic control facilities, directly impacting the FAA’s infrastructure and staffing needs.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Funding for personnel and training improvements for CBP is specified, affecting this agency’s operations in border security and trade.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): With provisions aimed at bolstering deportation operations and border security, ICE is set to expand its capabilities nationwide.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): The complete removal of restrictions on firearm suppressors under the National Firearms Act will significantly change ATF’s regulatory responsibilities.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) / U.S. Department of the Treasury: Permanent tax changes and reforms called for in the bill necessitate adjustments in tax collection and enforcement, directly involving these fiscal agencies.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Modernization of farm bill programs implies changes in agricultural policies and funding mechanisms managed by the USDA.

Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies, spanning infrastructure, border security, tax administration, firearms regulation, and agriculture, are impacted by the legislation.)

Responsible Officials

N/A – No specific directives are provided that assign implementation responsibilities to any government official.

Relevance Score: 1 (The summary does not include directives affecting any specific governmental officials.)