B’nai B’rith International is disappointed the U.S. Senate passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, based on our concerns about its impact on older adults.

We are troubled by the potential for steep cuts to programs vital to older adults, particularly, Medicaid, which helps pay for crucial medical expenses, and SNAP—the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program—which provides nutrition assistance for low-income individuals, including seniors. Funding Congressional and administration priorities on the backs of older adults is misguided, and we call on our elected officials to course correct. Passing legislation that could reduce spending on healthcare and nutrition could lead to more sick seniors.

According to the U.S. government, 7.2 million seniors are enrolled in Medicaid. This program helps pay for medical and nursing home expenses, prescription drugs and more. According to the National Council on Aging, about 4.8 million people over age 60 received vital nutrition assistance from SNAP.

We do recognize a particularly promising aspect of the bill passed by both chambers: The provision to increase the standard deduction for federal income taxes for qualifying older adults. We appreciate the Senate increasing the tax deduction for seniors from the $4,000 included in the House passed legislation to $6,000. This change may provide some older adults with additional financial resources.

In addition, it is encouraging this Senate-passed legislation, like the bill passed by the House, expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit which will provide more affordable housing for people around the country.

As the Senate and House of Representatives begin unifying around one piece of legislation, we call on Congress to reject those aspects of the bill that could harm older adults and instead prioritize the critical services they need.