Tucked inside the sprawling One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a hefty clause that raises the federal debt ceiling by a whopping $4 trillion. In plain English, this means the U.S. Treasury gets permission to borrow up to that higher limit so it can keep paying the bills Congress has already racked up, things…
Shared Burden, Shared Blessing: A Look at the SNAP State Cost-Sharing Provision
As we continue our deep dive into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), we turn our attention to another provision impacting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the bill would require states to shoulder 5% of the costs of the program. For those of us who believe in the…
A Tax Too Far? Weighing the 3.5% Remittance Levy in the One Big Beautiful Bill
Let’s talk about money—specifically, money flying out of the country faster than a kid bolting from chores. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has an interesting provision that I haven’t heard anyone talk about: a 3.5% tax on money sent abroad by non-citizens, including green card holders and visa workers. Let’s examine this from an…
A Senior Tax Break That Gets It Half-Right
There’s a saying in Scripture: “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding” (Job 12:12). Our elders are a treasure trove of experience, faith, and fortitude. They’ve worked, fought, and sacrificed for this country. So, when our lawmakers propose a tax provision that acknowledges their worth, it’s worth paying attention. Enter the…
Blessing the Worker or Burdening the Budget? A Look at the Tax Exemption for Tips and Overtime
In President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," there’s a little gem tucked between the sweeping reforms and the budget battles: a provision that exempts income from tips and overtime from federal income tax between 2026 and 2028. On the surface, it sounds like manna from heaven for the working class. But as with any…
A Blessing in the Tax Code: The Permanent Extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts
When President Trump led the charge for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, he wasn’t just signing a bill—he was swinging a sledgehammer at the tangled mess of red tape and bloated taxation that had been strangling American workers and small businesses for years. Now, with the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” making its…
Debt, Discipline, and Destiny: Restoring America’s Credit Through Conservative Stewardship
Well, it finally happened. On Friday, Moody’s joined the other major credit rating agencies in downgrading the United States’ credit rating from its top-tier Aaa rating to Aa1. That’s right—our nation, once the economic lighthouse for the world, now has a ding in its financial armor from all three major credit agencies. While the average…
Why President Trump’s UK Deal Could Be a Win for America—and What We Should Watch For
President Trump recently announced what he’s calling a “very large” trade deal with the United Kingdom. On the surface, it sounds like a bold, America-first move that’s right in line with the conservative principle of national prosperity. But like any deal cooked up in the global kitchen, it’s worth taking a long, prayerful look at…
Trump’s Second Term: 100 Days In — Triumph, Turbulence, or Trouble?
Well, bless your heart if you thought Trump's second term was going to be boring. It’s been just over 100 days since President Trump retook the reins of government, and whether you love him, tolerate him, or hate him, you can’t deny this: he came out of the gate like a bull on a mission.…
Tariff Tweaks and Tech Toys: Is Trump’s Smartphone Exemption a Smart Move?
So, here's the headline that's got economists buzzing and tech execs breathing a cautious sigh of relief: President Trump’s administration has officially exempted smartphones and computers from all “reciprocal” tariffs. That includes the base 10% tariff slapped on all imports and the 125% scorcher that was aimed squarely at China. But before you go thinking…
The Independent Christian Conservative 