Central ND News

The United States Senate has passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at providing permanent tax relief for American families and small businesses. Senator John Hoeven played a significant role in securing the bill's passage, which includes measures to secure the border, rebuild the military, support farmers and ranchers, and enhance American energy production.

According to Hoeven, "The One Big Beautiful Bill will provide permanent tax relief, ensuring that Americans can keep more of their hard-earned dollars." He added that the legislation fulfills promises made by former President Trump by focusing on national security and economic prosperity.

The bill extends current individual tax rates and bracket changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, maintaining $2.6 trillion in tax breaks for individuals earning under $400,000 annually. It prevents a potential $1,700 tax increase for an average family of four. Additional provisions include new deductions and credits such as no taxes on tips or overtime for workers and an increased child tax credit.

For small businesses, including those in agriculture and manufacturing sectors, the bill offers several incentives. These include extending Section 199A pass-through deductions permanently and increasing expensing amounts under Section 179. The legislation also supports agricultural producers through enhancements to safety nets like ARC and PLC programs.

In terms of energy policy, the bill aims to restore U.S. energy dominance by rolling back certain environmental policies from previous administrations. It mandates regular oil and gas lease sales on federal lands while investing in domestic energy infrastructure.

Military funding is also addressed with allocations supporting North Dakota-based missions through initiatives like hypersonic testing investments. Improvements are planned for servicemembers' quality of life through enhanced allowances and benefits.

Border security measures within the bill include completing construction of border barriers and enhancing screening technologies to combat trafficking. Additionally, funds are allocated to bolster state-level law enforcement capabilities against aerial threats.

Finally, water infrastructure projects receive attention with $1 billion designated for Bureau of Reclamation Water Conveyance Projects like ENDAWS in North Dakota.