NAACP Deeply Disappointed by the Senate’s Failure to Put the American People First

WASHINGTON — Today, the NAACP expressed deep disappointment in the U.S. Senate for passing the deceptively titled "One Big Beautiful Bill" — legislation that attacks working families, seniors, and vulnerable communities that rely on the government to meet their most basic needs.

Under the bill as passed, over 11.8 million people will lose access to Medicaid through a spending cut of $1 trillion. The bill reduces SNAP benefits for children, disabled, and elderly people to fund a $4.45 trillion tax break for the wealthiest individuals and corporations, adding $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit. Amid the damage, a proposal to prohibit state regulation of artificial intelligence was eliminated, providing a bright spot for consumer protection.
 

"This bill is a betrayal of the American people," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "It guts the very programs that keep our communities healthy, housed, and fed, all while padding the pockets of the ultra wealthy. Our message to lawmakers is clear: we are watching, and we will not forget."

The NAACP is proud of the thousands of constituents who answered our call and urged their Senators to vote "no" on this budget. Your advocacy matters. Your voices were heard. And while the Senate failed to meet the moment, this fight is far from over. 

We now turn our attention to the House of Representatives, where we will continue to mobilize our communities, advise our members and constituents to contact their representatives in Congress, and demand a budget that prioritizes people over profits. 

As we look ahead to next year's midterm elections, let it be known that with mid-term elections coming up in 2026, voters will remember who stood with the American people and who stood by while our communities were sold out.