#United States #College Park #Federal Budget #Public Survey #One Big Beautiful Bill

Understanding the Divergence Between Public Budget Preferences and Congressional Legislation

A recent survey conducted by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) has shed light on the significant differences between the budget that American citizens desire and the one that Congress just passed with the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The findings reveal not just a gap in priorities but an intriguing level of bipartisan agreement on certain key issues regarding tax and spending reforms.

Survey Overview

Carried out from May 30 to June 16, 2025, this national survey engaged over 1,200 adult respondents, allowing them to interactively shape their ideal federal budget. They analyzed various spending options and tax rates while receiving instantaneous feedback on how their choices would impact the national deficit.

The survey aimed to provide insights into the public's stance on major budgetary issues, specifically in light of the substantial changes implemented by Congress through the OBBB, which is projected to increase the national deficit by approximately $340 billion annually.

Key Findings

Tax Cut Preferences

Interestingly, the public, comprising both Republicans and Democrats, has indicated a desire not to extend the 2017 tax cuts for the higher income brackets, such as those earning between $500,000 to $1 million and those making $1 million or more. In fact, the survey uncovered that 53% of Republicans and 64% of Democrats opposed extending these cuts for middle-income earners, while 56% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats disapproved of the cuts for high-income earners. This suggests a unanimous preference for reconsidering the benefits afforded to the wealthy, contrasting sharply with the OBBB agenda that seeks to extend these tax cuts.

Medicaid and SNAP Spending

The survey also explored opinions regarding Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. A significant portion of respondents, specifically about 54%, identified that they did not support any cuts to Medicaid, aligning against the OBBB's proposed $100 billion reduction. Likewise, when it came to SNAP, 51% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats preferred to maintain current funding levels, opposing the $19 billion cut enacted by Congress.

National Defense and Homeland Security

When examining attitudes toward national defense spending, majorities across party lines expressed opposition to increasing the military budget. About 71% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats rejected proposals for enhanced defense budgets, advocating instead for a reduction of about $60 billion. Additionally, majorities from both parties agreed to cut funds allocated for homeland security, with many indicating that they favored a reduction instead of the heightened expenditures included in the OBBB.

Bipartisan Agreement on Tax Policy

One notable aspect of the survey findings was the overwhelming bipartisan consensus on certain tax policies. Approximately 60% of respondents supported eliminating income taxes on overtime and tips, though the OBBB falls short of fully acting on this demand by only providing deductions. This agreement signals a collective desire among the electorate for a fairer taxation system.

Implications of the Survey Findings

The disparity between public opinion and congressional decision-making highlights a critical gap in representation. PPC Director Steven Kull commented on these findings, reinforcing that when citizens are permitted to reshape the federal budget on their terms, it starkly contrasts with legislative outcomes that lean towards increasing the deficit. The survey reveals a remarkable degree of bipartisan consensus on several crucial issues, emphasizing the public's call for raising taxes on the very rich and curtailing defense spending.

As stakeholders navigate the complex realm of federal budgeting, these insights are invaluable for understanding the true priorities of American citizens. A growing disconnect between elected officials and the constituents they serve raises fundamental questions about the future direction of U.S. budgetary policy and the political landscape. The survey results challenge Congress to reconsider its approach and responsiveness to public sentiment.

Conclusion

The recent survey serves not only as a barometer of public opinion regarding federal spending but also illustrates the potential for a more collaborative framework between the parties regarding fiscal policy. As citizens express clear preferences that diverge from the paths taken by legislators, it becomes imperative for Congress to engage more thoroughly with these insights to address national priorities effectively.

In a time where policy impacts everyday lives, understanding and heeding public demand could pave the way for more responsible and representative budgeting moving forward.