Archbishop Timothy Broglio / Archdiocese for the Military, USA (Left), The White House / Flickr (Right)
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued a July 3 statement on the House passage of President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” expressing concern over certain final provisions.
While the bishops praised early drafts of the legislation for advancing pro-life protections and expanding school choice, Archbishop Broglio said the final version stripped or weakened measures essential to protecting the vulnerable.
“The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation,” Archbishop Broglio said. “The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society.”
The statement raised concern about the removal of the proposed 10-year ban on federal funding for Planned Parenthood — now limited to one year — and the elimination of restrictions on federally funded “gender transition” procedures. It also pointed to a weakened parental choice provision.
Despite those changes, many pro-life groups have supported the bill. Organizations such as National Right to Life, Students for Life Action, and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America hailed it as a significant win, CatholicVote reported.
Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, called it “a monumental step forward for unborn children and their mothers.”
In a June 26 letter to the Senate, US bishops urged lawmakers to make changes that would better support the poor and uphold the dignity of migrants.
Archbishop Broglio reiterated the Church’s broader concern for human dignity, especially for the poor and the vulnerable.
“As its provisions go into effect, people will lose access to healthcare and struggle to buy groceries, family members will be separated, and vulnerable communities will be less prepared to cope with environmental impacts of pollution and extreme weather,” he warned. “More must be done to prevent these devastating effects.”
Archbishop Broglio concluded by calling on lawmakers and the faithful to stay engaged.
“The Catholic Church’s teaching to uphold human dignity and the common good compels us to redouble our efforts and offer concrete help to those who will be in greater need,” he said, “and continue to advocate for legislative efforts that will provide better possibilities in the future for those in need.”
