Rep. Van Duyne Defends 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' Calls for More Spending Reforms

WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R) defended her support for the “big, beautiful bill,” highlighting key provisions she says benefit Texans, while acknowledging ongoing concerns and the need for follow-up reforms.

“There’s something in it for everyone,” Van Duyne said. “And there was something in it that a lot of folks didn’t like.”

Despite reservations about state and local tax (SALT) increases, Rep. Van Duyne pointed to three primary reasons behind her “yes” vote. Those included preventing tax hikes, bolstering border security, and lifting regulatory burdens on energy producers.

“My three biggest reasons why I voted for it were: one, to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so we didn’t face some of the largest tax increases in our nation’s history—especially for working families; two, it gave Homeland Security the resources needed to secure our border; and three, it delivered regulatory reform to support energy production in Texas,” she said.

Rep. Van Duyne emphasized Texas’s role as the top energy-producing state, warning that federal regulations under the Biden administration have hindered domestic output.

“We want to make sure the regulatory burdens… will be removed,” she said.

She praised tax exemptions on tips for hospitality workers and overtime pay for first responders. The bill also boosts tax relief for seniors and supports small businesses with pass-through and R&D provisions.

Still, Van Duyne said she’s looking ahead to the next reconciliation package to address federal spending.

“I would love to see us go back to pre-COVID spending levels,” she said. “When you’re spending a trillion dollars just to service your debt… that’s a problem.”

Rep. Van Duyne called for fiscal reform through third-party audits of federal agencies. She also seeks to limit unnecessary growth in regulatory agencies.

“I don’t think the GSA is doing their job,” Van Duyne said. “If you make [spending reform] systemic from the get-go, that’s how you make sure these efforts continue—because not every year are you going to have an Elon Musk or a president working hand-in-glove to cut.”