/Congress Passes Controversial National Voucher Program Amid Budget Cuts

In a dramatic turn of events, Congress barely approved a pivotal budget bill known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," introducing an unprecedented national private school voucher program. The controversial legislation, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, has sparked significant debate due to its extensive budget cuts.

The bill, strikingly at odds with its title, implements drastic reductions in essential services, including food assistance, Medicaid, and renewable energy programs. These cuts have raised concerns about the potential consequences, such as loss of healthcare, reduced nutrition support for families, and the potential shutdown of rural hospitals.

A Closer Look at the National Voucher Program

Among the less publicized elements of the lengthy 870-page document is the implementation of the country's first national private school voucher program. This initiative, heavily advocated by billionaire-backed pro-voucher groups and aligned with the Project 2025 agenda, was strategically included in the bill despite its widespread unpopularity among Americans.

The voucher program's inclusion faced significant political hurdles, as it bypassed standard legislative procedures due to its contentious nature. Sen. Mazie Hirono's (D-Hawaii) amendment to remove the voucher provision nearly succeeded, receiving substantial bipartisan support but ultimately failing by a single vote. Notably, the amendment garnered rare cross-party backing during the extended debate sessions.

As part of efforts to make the voucher provision less objectionable, several amendments were introduced. These included the removal of tax shelters for billionaires and restrictions on voucher-granting organizations' ability to distribute vouchers to students in other states. Additionally, a controversial clause affecting students with disabilities, dubbed a "poison pill," was eliminated after criticism from voucher opponents.

The Implications of the Voucher Program

The implications of this permanent voucher program are significant, with projections estimating it could cost federal taxpayers $50 billion annually. This funding would largely benefit wealthy families already capable of sending their children to private, often religious, schools. Critics argue that such resources should be invested in public schools that serve the vast majority of American students.

Despite facing initial resistance, proponents of the program are determined to expand its scope, with support from influential billionaire groups. This ambition has prompted increased activism from grassroots organizations, including AU supporters, who have engaged in extensive campaigning through emails, text banks, and lobbying efforts to combat the initiative.