DC Explained: San Diego’s (Many) Losers, Winners from Washington’s New Tax and Spending Bill

As seen on Voice of San Diego, PIC’s Senior Vice President Alan Berube writes a new monthly column, “DC Explained.” Berube will provide insights to help residents understand the fast-moving national economic and policy dynamics affecting San Diego County.

An excerpt: Last week, the U.S. Congress wrapped up a process it started way back in January to pass H.R. 1, a massive tax and spending bill, sending it to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature on July 4.

The 870-page law, known to supporters as “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act” and detractors as “The Big Ugly Bill,” will have far-reaching impacts across San Diego’s economy, institutions, and communities.

The region will feel those impacts largely over the objections of its local Congressional delegation. The bill passed both chambers of Congress with no Democrats voting in favor, including California’s two senators and four of San Diego County’s five representatives (Republican Rep. Darrell Issa supported the bill). That sort of stark partisan divide would doom most legislation in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to overcome a filibuster, but this “budget reconciliation” bill proceeded under special rules that required only a 51-vote majority.

As the ink dries on this new law, it’s worth considering what particular groups of San Diegans might feel its effects most.