Overview

• Vice President JD Vance kicked off the White House’s first major public push in West Pittston to sell the recently enacted reconciliation law combining tax cuts with deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance.
• He underscored new tax perks, including zero federal tax on tips and overtime pay, and unveiled a children’s savings program with up to $1,000 initial Treasury deposits.
• The law locks in permanent tax relief and boosts defense and border funding while imposing $1.2 trillion in reductions to Medicaid and SNAP scheduled to take effect after next year’s elections.
• Democrats vow to make the package a centerpiece of their 2026 midterm messaging by warning of its impact on vulnerable populations, whereas Republicans argue it fulfills campaign promises on taxes and security.
• CBO forecasts project a $3.3 trillion deficit increase over ten years, spurring GOP plans to rescind select foreign aid and public media funding under reconciliation rules.