In a recent response to criticism of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) defended the law, highlighting its anticipated benefits for Idahoans. The senator’s comments come after an opinion piece in the Lewiston Tribune questioned his support for the legislation.
Crapo said he was “proud to stand next to President Donald Trump when he signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law because it will greatly benefit Idahoans by preventing the largest tax increase in history, making pro-growth tax policies permanent to improve the economic outlook for Idaho families and businesses, and providing additional tax relief to hardworking Idahoans and job creators. It also ensures a more responsible use of taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending programs and reducing deficit spending.”
He addressed criticisms that claim the law favors wealthy individuals at the expense of others. According to Crapo, these claims are misleading. He stated, “Opponents of President Trump’s bill have steadily launched the misleading narrative that the new law is ‘tax cuts for billionaires and corporations’ to try to hide the fact that it prevents massive across-the-board tax hikes — to the tune of more than $4 trillion — and provides targeted tax relief that overwhelmingly benefits low- and middle-class families and workers.”
Referencing analysis from the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation, Crapo noted that “the largest proportional benefits in new tax relief go to workers and families making less than $50,000.” He cited features such as a higher standard deduction, increased child tax credit, enhanced child care affordability measures, exemptions on taxes for tips and overtime pay, extra relief for seniors, and savings accounts for children as evidence that these policies do not primarily benefit billionaires.
Crapo also responded to concerns about Medicaid provisions in the bill. He said critics have used “the politics of fear,” suggesting hospital closures or loss of coverage would result from spending changes. He argued instead that addressing inefficiencies within Medicaid would improve sustainability without harming rural hospitals.
He pointed out that Medicaid spending has risen significantly since 2019 due in part to expanded eligibility criteria promoted by Democrats. According to Crapo, this expansion is unsustainable: “Medicaid spending has ballooned, with outlays increasing 50% since 2019. This rate of expansion is unsustainable and puts the future of the program at risk.”
The senator highlighted ongoing challenges faced by rural hospitals but asserted these issues predate current reforms. He emphasized federal support remains intact: “There are multiple federal programs designed to support rural facilities and the One Big Beautiful Bill does not alter any of these programs.”
A key feature mentioned was a “$50 billion Rural Transformation Fund” created by the act; half will be distributed equally among states. Crapo explained this means “Idaho’s rural hospitals will receive significant, immediate financial assistance,” allowing state-level decisions on how best to allocate resources.
The bill also ends certain funding practices used by other states without affecting Idaho’s stewardship over federal funds. For states needing help with their Medicaid programs or vulnerable hospitals, Crapo said this fund can serve as transitional aid while longer-term solutions are developed.
Describing broader healthcare impacts he said: “A far cry from gutting health care, the bill arguably makes the single largest investment in rural health care since the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.” He added it is intended as an efficient way to sustain rural healthcare facilities while curbing wasteful spending.
Additional measures include steps aimed at ensuring Medicaid payments only reach eligible recipients—such as more frequent eligibility checks—and establishing work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving coverage. Exemptions exist for those who are disabled or caring for young children.
Crapo concluded his remarks by stating: “I continue to maintain extending pro-growth tax policy, delivering targeted tax relief for middle-class families and workers, and reining in wasteful spending is the best way to restore economic prosperity and opportunity for Idahoans, and this law takes necessary and overdue steps to do just that.”
