Statement from Community Justice on Senate Passage of Trump‑Backed “One Big Beautiful Bill”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

[JULY 1, 2025] WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ a sweeping tax and spending package that slashes nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and threatens coverage for millions of Americans.

The Medicaid cuts passed in the Senate bill could have serious consequences for the community violence intervention (CVI) field. Since Medicaid funding for CVI programming is optional, it’s likely to be one of the first areas targeted if states are forced to make budget cuts. 

Nearly 10 states currently use Medicaid to reimburse organizations for programs like hospital-based violence intervention — a proven strategy to reduce retaliatory gun violence. These reimbursements also help offset uncompensated care costs. Without them, many CVI organizations could face major service reductions and staffing shortages.

When people lose access to mental health support, trauma care, and wraparound services—hallmarks of effective CVI—we know violence is more likely to spike. After the Trump Administration's abrupt termination of public safety grant awards in April, this legislation pushes the country further from a public health approach centered on intervention and prevention, and instead toward more policing, more trauma, and more loss. Cutting Medicaid to fund wealthy tax breaks, border walls, and defense does not keep communities safe—it bolsters instability.

Additionally, the Senate-passed legislation includes a dangerous provision that eliminates the $200 tax to transfer or purchase silencers, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and other dangerous weapons that are tightly regulated under the National Firearms Act. 

Community Justice condemns this bill’s priorities. Public safety isn’t just law enforcement—it’s community care, healing, and resilience. Elected leaders must  invest in the future of our neighborhoods. 

We urge the House to reject this bill and instead focus on  strengthening and resourcing CVI programs.

Press Contact: [Eboni Munn, Communications Director, eboni@cjactionfund.org] 

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Community Justice is a non-partisan project of Tides Center and builds power for communities of color to end gun violence.