Trump’s Bill Passed: The Tax and Spending Updates, Explained | WSJ

Tax Policy Changes - Extension of 2017 tax cuts, initially set to expire at the end of 2025 [1][2] - Child tax credit increased to $2,200 and indexed to inflation [2] - Estate tax exemption increased to $15 million per person [2] - Elimination of tax credits for electric vehicles and clean energy purchases after September 30th [3] - State and local tax deduction capped at $10,000, with a temporary increase to $40,000 for certain income levels [3][4] - Potential $25,000 deduction for tipped workers, but payroll taxes still apply [4] - Deduction for seniors of $6,000 per person for those ages 65 and up [6] Government Spending and Budget Impact - Increased funding for agencies like ICE, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security, the Defense Department, and Missile Defense [7] - Medicaid work requirements implemented, projected to save $326 billion through 2034 [8][9] - Changes to premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, potentially leading to 11 million fewer people with health insurance by 2034 [10] - Creation of a $50 billion rural healthcare fund to address changes in healthcare access [11] - Projected increase in the deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years (through 2034) [13] Economic Impact and Political Considerations - Republicans argue that economic growth from tax cuts and deregulation will offset the deficit increase [15] - Economists express concerns about the drag of budget deficits on the economy, potentially leading to higher interest rates and increased debt [15] - Potential for Democrats to delay or change tax cuts if they win the House majority [12]