Open to Debate Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster?
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Jul 18, 2025 
Jessica Riedl, an economist at the Manhattan Institute, and Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a policy director at The Heritage Foundation, engage in a spirited debate about the recently signed One Big, Beautiful Bill. Riedl argues that it could lead to increased national debt and negatively affect ordinary Americans, while Furchtgott-Roth counters that it may stimulate growth and job creation. They discuss the tension between fiscal responsibility and economic investment, touching on key issues like Medicaid reforms, tax policies, and the challenges of the legislative process.
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Bill Increases Debt, Harms Growth
- The Big, Beautiful Bill significantly increases the national debt with costly tax carve-outs and giveaways.
- This debt surge is expected to raise interest rates, choke investment, and reduce economic growth long-term.
Growth-Driven Provisions Emphasized
- The bill maintains low tax rates and adds predictability, encouraging investment and expansion.
- Provisions like permanent expensing and lower electricity costs aim to boost economic growth and job creation.
Growth First Risks Never Fixing Debt
- Waiting for economic growth before addressing debt risks perpetually deferring debt fixes.
- Past tax cuts failed to be paired with spending cuts, worsening deficits.