Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Wildlife Society: Bringing Bobcats Back From the Brink
BETHESDA, Maryland, April 25 -- The Wildlife Society, a wildlife conservation organization, posted the following news:* * *
Bringing bobcats back from the brink
The gated community of Kiawah Island was a nature lovers dream. Until bobcats started showing up dead.
On a tiny island off the coast of South Carolina, bobcats are local celebrities. Residents hope to glimpse their shy neighbors ducking under palmettos or dashing between vacation homes.
Up until 2019, the population's survival rate was stable at around 98%. But that year, wildlife officials found a female bobcat (Lynx rufus) that ... Show Full Article BETHESDA, Maryland, April 25 -- The Wildlife Society, a wildlife conservation organization, posted the following news: * * * Bringing bobcats back from the brink The gated community of Kiawah Island was a nature lovers dream. Until bobcats started showing up dead. On a tiny island off the coast of South Carolina, bobcats are local celebrities. Residents hope to glimpse their shy neighbors ducking under palmettos or dashing between vacation homes. Up until 2019, the population's survival rate was stable at around 98%. But that year, wildlife officials found a female bobcat (Lynx rufus) thatbled to death while in labor. Within a few months, two more animals showed up dead with no signs of external injury--about 10% of the island's 30-35 bobcats had been wiped out. In the next four years, 12 more bobcats total died. The survival rate plummeted to 39%. With a rate that low, Kiawah Island was on a path to extirpation in as little as five years. Local wildlife professionals scrambled for answers.
"We had years and years of no mortalities," said Meghan Keating, a doctoral candidate at Clemson University. "We knew something was going on."
The island's wildlife biologist sent the dead bobcats to a state lab for testing. The results came back: all of the animals had high levels of rodenticides in their blood and livers. Their prey had poisoned them.
Rats need a vacation, too
Kiawah Island is a famous vacation destination in South Carolina. The 13-mile-long, 1.5-mile-wide island has a year-round population of around 2,000 but swells to 10,000 during the peak tourist season.
Although heavily developed, the gated community markets itself as an eco-friendly destination with strict environmental regulations that preserve habitat for animals like bobcats and birds. "While it's heavily urbanized relative to other areas, they have maintained a dense native plant community," Keating said. That habitat is critical for local wildlife like bobcats. Researchers have been studying the population for over 30 years.
According to Keating's research, published recently in Animal Conservation, the number of short-term rentals on the island skyrocketed in 2018, alongside growing concerns about pests like mice and rats. And with pests comes pest control. The most used class of rodenticides in the U.S. is anticoagulants, which kill animals by stopping blood clotting, often leading to internal bleeding. "[Anticoagulant rodenticides] work from the inside out," Keating said.
With current technology, known as second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, it only takes one bite of a poisoned bait to kill. "Those are the ones that we think are most concerning for wildlife," Keating said.
The bobcats aren't directly eating the poisoned baits but are ingesting rodenticides through their prey in a process called bioaccumulation. The poisons can take up to a week to fully kick in. In the meantime, more drugged rodents scurry around confused and lethargic. "If you know about cats," she said, "that's really fun for them."
Poisoning or a 'tipping point'?
Keating wanted to know if they could really blame Kiawah's bobcat decline exclusively on rodenticides or if Kiawah Island had finally hit an urbanization "tipping point" and could no longer support its relatively large bobcat population. "Did [rodenticides] really lower survival or was it just a fluke that these three cats died?" she wondered.
Keating used satellite imagery to track development on the island over time. She also interviewed community members and local pest control companies to track rodenticide use. She mapped exposure risk from other animals that showed up dead, like raccoons (Procyon lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and even an alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
She couldn't get more precise data on how much rat poison had been distributed across the island. In South Carolina, like many states, pesticide use isn't public information. Even if she could get access to the information, pest control companies are only required to keep records of pesticide use for two years.
In many states, rodenticides are largely unregulated. You can walk into a local hardware store and pick up anticoagulant rodenticides or order them online. And at the time the bobcats were dying, anyone in South Carolina could go to the grocery store and put rat poison on their property.
Keating combined local knowledge, animal deaths, development data and bobcat collar data from 2007 to 2022. She found that there wasn't a significant correlation between housing density and bobcat survival but that exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides was linked to lower survival. "There are very few instances where scientists have the data to show the population level impacts of rodenticides," Keating said.
Based on blood and fecal samples and liver samples of dead cats, she found that over 70% of the bobcats had been exposed to four or more chemicals. Each pesticide bait block only uses one chemical. "That means it's repeated exposure events," Keating said.
Community action saved the day
Based on the survival rates of bobcats in 2021, scientists predicted that Kiawah Island would lose its bobcats as early as 2025. But the island's unofficial mascot is still roaming free because the community stepped in. "They could've lost their bobcats by now if they hadn't taken action," Keating said.
In late 2020, about a year after the mother and her two kits turned up dead, concerned community members founded the Bobcat Guardian program.
The program includes a pledge for individuals and businesses alike to not use anticoagulant rodenticides. The state of South Carolina now passed a ban on anticoagulant rodenticide use, and you now need a license to purchase this class of poisons in the state of South Carolina.
"This community loves their bobcats," Keating said. "They're very proud to have maintained this population."
Keating said that monitoring also played a role in saving the population. "There could be other places where this is happening and we're just not aware," she said.
More than just bobcats are at stake. The dead alligator they found hadn't eaten a rodent directly but likely ate a bobcat or raccoon that had eaten a poisoned mouse or rat. Limiting use of anticoagulant rodenticides likely helps other species, too, like snakes and raptors that specialize on rodents. "Anything that eats another animal has the opportunity to bioaccumulate a toxin," she said.
Article by Olivia Milloway, Staff Writer
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Original text here: https://wildlife.org/bringing-bobcats-back-from-the-brink/
[Category: Environment]
Protect Our Care: Swamp Creature RFK Jr. Adds Two More Potential Conflicts of Interest to the List
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news:* * *
Swamp Creature RFK Jr. Adds Two More Potential Conflicts of Interest to the List
The festering swamp of corruption and self-dealing surrounding the Trump White House just got even deeper with two new reports on potential conflicts of interest for Trump's health secretary, RFK Jr.
The Financial Times reports today that RFK Jr.'s son William "Finn" Kennedy is "launching a fund to invest in healthcare companies, touting his ties to his father's 'Make America healthy Again' movement (MAHA) and backing groups that could benefit ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Protect Our Care issued the following news: * * * Swamp Creature RFK Jr. Adds Two More Potential Conflicts of Interest to the List The festering swamp of corruption and self-dealing surrounding the Trump White House just got even deeper with two new reports on potential conflicts of interest for Trump's health secretary, RFK Jr. The Financial Times reports today that RFK Jr.'s son William "Finn" Kennedy is "launching a fund to invest in healthcare companies, touting his ties to his father's 'Make America healthy Again' movement (MAHA) and backing groups that could benefitfrom it. "Finn" is "seeking to raise $100mn for the fund, Victura Ventures, targeting early-stage growth companies involved in healthcare AI, consumer health, and other health technologies".
Meanwhile, the NYT reports "Calley Means, a top aide to [RFK Jr.], was advising on changes to the American health system while running a rapidly growing wellness company poised to benefit from Trump administration health policies. Records ... show that Mr. Means held between $25 million and $50 million in stock in the company, Truemed, through November, as he continued to serve as its president."
These potential conflicts involving RFK Jr.'s son and close associate come on top of the health secretary's other known conflicts, including potential HHS changes to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) that could enrich Kennedy's dearest allies, as well as his son who remains poised to reap lucrative legal fees from lawsuits over HPV vaccine Gardasil if the Secretary pushes related special vaccine court cases to civil court.
"It's perhaps easy for RFK Jr. to look at Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Lutnick blatantly abuse the power of the White House to enrich themselves, family members, and big donors, and say 'Why not me?'," said Kayla Hancock, Director of Protect Our Care's Public Health Project. "Kennedy claims he's following ethics rules, but why did he keep the barn door open for his son and close associates to profit off his policy decisions? It follows a corrupt pattern of Trump administration officials exploiting loopholes to steer money into their family and friends' pockets at the same time they rip away health care from millions of Americans and push policies that hike costs on everything from insurance premiums, gas, to groceries."
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Original text here: https://www.protectourcare.org/swamp-creature-rfk-jr-adds-two-more-potential-conflicts-of-interest-to-the-list/
[Category: Health Care]
Nearly 600 Patients Served During Two-Day Medical Mission in Bacolod
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:* * *
Nearly 600 Patients Served During Two-Day Medical Mission in Bacolod
A two-day screening mission covering eye conditions, cleft lip and palate, clubfoot, and limb loss brought free medical services to hundreds of Bacolod City residents, with surgical follow-through scheduled for May.
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Hundreds of residents from Bacolod City and surrounding communities received free medical screenings during a two-day humanitarian mission organized by the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, a ... Show Full Article SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 25 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release: * * * Nearly 600 Patients Served During Two-Day Medical Mission in Bacolod A two-day screening mission covering eye conditions, cleft lip and palate, clubfoot, and limb loss brought free medical services to hundreds of Bacolod City residents, with surgical follow-through scheduled for May. * Hundreds of residents from Bacolod City and surrounding communities received free medical screenings during a two-day humanitarian mission organized by the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, anon-government organization dedicated to humanitarian and medical service. The mission, held on April 22 and 23, 2026, served nearly 600 patients across two locations and marked the first phase of a larger two-part program that will culminate in a surgical mission next month.
The event was held during the ongoing public open house of the Bacolod Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, drawing attention to the Church's presence in the region and its long-standing commitment to community service regardless of faith or background.
Screenings Across Four Medical Conditions
The mission screened patients for four categories of medical need: eye conditions, cleft lip and palate, clubfoot and limb loss. Patients who qualify based on their screening results may receive free reading or prescription eyeglasses, cataract surgery, corrective surgery for cleft conditions, prosthetic limbs or treatment for clubfoot, at no cost to them or their families.
The mission was conducted across two venues. The first day was held at the Church meetinghouse in Talisay City on April 22, and the second at the Galo Meetinghouse in Bacolod City on April 23.
Janis Redulla, Visayas screener for the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, led the mission's medical operations. Martha Grace Trias, a humanitarian senior service missionary, coordinated logistics and operations across the three participating stakes: the Bacolod Stake, Bacolod North Stake and Bacolod South Stake. Optometrist Dr. Anita Villarta provided clinical expertise for the eye screening component.
Stake Presidents Joaquin Montero, Marc Barredo and Antonio Jayme were present throughout the mission, joined by Elder and Sister Ashby of the Philippines Bacolod Mission, as well as member volunteers and clinical professionals who gave their time and skills to serve the community. Representatives from the Bacolod City Department of Social Welfare and Development also assisted during the screenings, reflecting the collaborative spirit that made the mission possible.
A Surgical Phase to Follow
The second phase of the mission, a dedicated surgical mission, is scheduled to begin on May 25, 2026. In partnership with the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, cataract patients who were identified during the April screenings will receive surgical care at the regional hospital. Post-operative medicines will be provided by the Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, ensuring that patients receive not only the procedure but the support they need in the days that follow.
Service That Reflects a Larger Mission
The timing of the medical mission, held during the historic Bacolod Philippines Temple open house, gave the work an added dimension. Many of the patients and their families were able to visit the temple open house, which runs from April 16 to May 2, 2026, offering an opportunity to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ and the values that motivate its members' service efforts. Friends of other faiths who came for a medical screening left with more than a referral card.
"This is what we are here to do," said one of the volunteers. "To serve and to let people feel that they are not forgotten."
For the nearly 600 individuals who passed through the screening queues across two days, that message came through clearly. Many had traveled from neighboring communities, bringing elderly parents or young children whose conditions had gone unaddressed for years due to the cost of medical care. For them, the mission was not simply a health program. It was, in the words of those who organized it, a reason to hope.
The Mabuhay Deseret Foundation continues to conduct medical screening and surgical missions across the Visayas region in collaboration with local government agencies, health professionals and member volunteers of the Church of Jesus Christ.
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Editor's Note: The Bacolod Philippines Temple public open house runs from April 16 to May 2, 2026, excluding Sundays. Admission is free and open to people of all faiths. The Mabuhay Deseret Foundation is a non-government organization, providing humanitarian and medical services to communities across the Philippines.
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Original text here: https://news-ph.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/nearly-600-patients-served-as-mabuhay-deseret-foundation-holds-medical-mission-in-bacolod-during-temple-open-house
[Category: Religion]
Environmental Defense Fund: North Carolina Utilities Commission Order Delaying Low-cost Solar is 'Insult to Injury' as Customer Bills Soar and Duke Energy Rate Hikes Loom
NEW YORK, April 25 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on April 24, 2026:* * *
NC Utilities Commission order delaying low-cost solar is 'insult to injury' as customer bills soar and Duke Energy rate hikes loom
RALEIGH, N.C. -- On April 23, the North Carolina Utilities Commission issued an order delaying the 2026 solar and solar-plus-storage procurement process until after they issue an order on the 2026 Carbon Plan/Integrated Resources Plan, which should occur by end of year.
"More than ever, North Carolina households need cheap power, and competitively procured ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, April 25 -- The Environmental Defense Fund posted the following news release on April 24, 2026: * * * NC Utilities Commission order delaying low-cost solar is 'insult to injury' as customer bills soar and Duke Energy rate hikes loom RALEIGH, N.C. -- On April 23, the North Carolina Utilities Commission issued an order delaying the 2026 solar and solar-plus-storage procurement process until after they issue an order on the 2026 Carbon Plan/Integrated Resources Plan, which should occur by end of year. "More than ever, North Carolina households need cheap power, and competitively procuredutility-scale solar is the cheapest and fastest way to bring new electricity online," said Will Scott, North Carolina Policy Director at Environmental Defense Fund. "Delaying new solar procurements will only hurt households and the businesses that rely on North Carolina's pro-business environment when making investments in the state."
Analysis of Duke Energy filings shows that over the last four years, competitively procured clean energy has been 30% cheaper than energy from natural gas on average in North Carolina.
Graph showing that, since 2021, electricity from clean energy has cost $13.76/MWh, or 29.7%, less on average than electricity from natural gas. Competitively procured clean energy costs are highly stable with an average annual change of $0.37/MWh, while natural gas costs have changed by an annual average of $5.37/MWh during the four-year period.
Since 2021, electricity from clean energy has cost $13.76/MWh, or 29.7%, less on average than electricity from natural gas. Competitively procured clean energy costs are highly stable with an average annual change of $0.37/MWh, while natural gas costs have changed by an annual average of $5.37/MWh during the four-year period.
Reducing dependence on gas is critical for stabilizing bills, especially as the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects natural gas prices are on track to climb. Analysts project that prices in 2026 will average 16% higher than in 2025, primarily due to gas exports.
And Duke Energy's continued reliance on natural gas is a big part of the problem. Analysis shows that natural gas price spikes are responsible for up to 67% of recent customer rate hikes. Yet Duke is doubling down on gas plants, tethering households to a fuel that is price-volatile, increasingly expensive and entirely outside customers' control.
"We agree that Duke Energy cannot unilaterally decrease solar procurement targets ordered by the Commission," Scott added. "But at a time of rising bills, North Carolina needs to maximize, not delay, affordable energy solutions like solar and batteries."
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With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
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Original text here: https://www.edf.org/media/nc-utilities-commission-order-delaying-low-cost-solar-insult-injury-customer-bills-soar-and
[Category: Environment]
CAIR-CT Welcomes Bethel Board of Education's Recognition of Eid Al-Fitr as an Official School Holiday
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on April 24, 2026:* * *
CAIR-CT Welcomes Bethel Board of Education's Recognition of Eid al-Fitr as an Official School Holiday
The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Bethel Board of Education's decision to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday.
"Recognizing Eid al-Fitr is more than a calendar change - it is a statement of inclusion, dignity, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on April 24, 2026: * * * CAIR-CT Welcomes Bethel Board of Education's Recognition of Eid al-Fitr as an Official School Holiday The Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT), a chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Bethel Board of Education's decision to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr as a school holiday. "Recognizing Eid al-Fitr is more than a calendar change - it is a statement of inclusion, dignity,and respect," said Farhan Memon, Chairman of CAIR-CT. "When Muslim students see their holidays acknowledged, they know they are fully seen and fully valued. This kind of leadership helps create safer, more welcoming schools for all children."
He said CAIR-CT extended gratitude to the Bethel Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Christine Carver, and the Board of Education for their thoughtful consideration and commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.
Memon added: "This historic decision affirms that Muslim students belong. It sends a clear message that their faith, traditions, and identities are valued and respected within the school community. This recognition can have a profound positive impact on students' mental health by reducing feelings of exclusion, anxiety, and isolation that many Muslim students have historically experienced.
"The decision will also help foster greater understanding among students of all backgrounds. When schools recognize diverse religious and cultural traditions, they create opportunities for students to learn about one another, build empathy, and strengthen relationships across communities. That understanding is essential in combating bullying, discrimination, and hate."
Eman Beshtawii, the president of Al-Hedaya Islamic Center added: "This recognition is a meaningful step toward ensuring that every student feels a true sense of belonging. It creates an environment where diversity is celebrated and all families feel welcomed. It's a clear message that affirms Bethel's appreciation of diversity, inclusion, and equity. "
Zia, a student in Bethel Public Schools who led the effort, said: "The moment our Board voted to recognize Eid was heartwarming. I felt a greater sense of belonging and felt truly seen. Seeing Eid recognized by our school district means so much to Muslim students like me. It makes us feel included and respected, and it shows that our community matters."
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of local students, community organizers, and Al Hidaya Islamic Center. Their advocacy, persistence, and commitment to their community were instrumental in bringing about this meaningful change. The fifth-grade student Mariam, and Mysha, a student at Bethel Middle School, were overjoyed when the Board of Education officially recognized Eid al-Fitr.
Unfortunately, anti-Muslim bullying remains a serious concern in Connecticut schools. Last year, two Muslim students in Waterbury were violently assaulted in what authorities later classified as a hate crime. Read more HERE. CAIR-CT has also heard from numerous Muslim families across the state whose children have experienced harassment, many of which go unreported.
CAIR-CT encourages school districts across Connecticut to follow Bethel's example and adopt inclusive policies that reflect the diversity of their student populations including Danbury, Cheshire, Berline, Meriden, Monroe and others.
CAIR-CT offers a comprehensive resource, the Back to School Resource Guide to help educators, administrators, and families foster safe and inclusive school environments.
CAIR-CT also offers the Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices designed to assist teachers, principals, administrators and other educators in formulating and implementing policies and programs that will help to create a supportive academic environment.
CAIR-CT is the Connecticut chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ct-welcomes-bethel-board-of-educations-recognition-of-eid-al-fitr-as-an-official-school-holiday/
[Category: Sociological]
Americans for Tax Reform: Examples of Good News Arising From Big Beautiful Bill's Full Business Expensing Provisions
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary by John Kartch:* * *
Examples of Good News Arising from Big Beautiful Bill's Full Business Expensing Provisions
In addition to across-the-board tax cuts for households, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump on July 4 provides full business expensing for American businesses.
In their own words, U.S. employers describe the benefits of the expensing provisions in the bill:
Liberty Landscape Supply (Jacksonville, Florida) -- Equipment and truck purchases, job creation and business expansion:
Mike's ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary by John Kartch: * * * Examples of Good News Arising from Big Beautiful Bill's Full Business Expensing Provisions In addition to across-the-board tax cuts for households, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump on July 4 provides full business expensing for American businesses. In their own words, U.S. employers describe the benefits of the expensing provisions in the bill: Liberty Landscape Supply (Jacksonville, Florida) -- Equipment and truck purchases, job creation and business expansion: Mike'scompany operates six locations in the Jacksonville area and employs 170 people. He shared that the new tax law "provided me the freedom to grow" by removing the uncertainty around whether the 20% small business deduction would remain in place. Combined with enhanced expensing for investment, that certainty has helped him make both short-term and long-term business decisions with greater confidence.
Working with his tax advisor, Mike was able to accelerate a long-term growth project into an immediate expansion. Savings from the new tax law allowed him to purchase a truck and hire an operator to add pest control services that customers had requested for years. He made clear that he would not have moved forward without the support of the new tax law.
Liberty Landscape Supply is also planning to acquire another nursery in Tallahassee, FL, with 82 employees. The deal is expected to close in April 2026 and would not have happened without pro-growth tax policy. -- April 15, 2026, Mike Zaffaroni, Owner, Liberty Landscape Supply, as reported in testimony before the House Committee on Small Business
Kaddas Enterprises (Salt Lake City, Utah) -- New equipment and expansion. OBBBA's expensing provisions were a key factor in the recent expansion of this family manufacturing business:
Kaddas Enterprise is a second-generation family manufacturing business located in Salt Lake City, UT. Kaddas Enterprise is undergoing its 3rd expansion in the past seven years and sells their products across the US and into 17 countries worldwide. Natalie calls immediate Research & Development (R&D) expensing "the essential to maintain our competitive advantage within our business." When the tax code required her to amortize R&D costs instead of deducting them right away, it tied up cash and amounted to an estimated tax liability by 35%.
With the Working Families Tax Cut Act's restoration of full, immediate expensing for U.S.-based R&D, she can now keep more working capital in the business and reinvest in operational improvements that support energy resiliency. Most importantly, she emphasized that making R&D expensing permanent gave her and her employees the confidence to launch their latest expansion. -- April 15, 2026, Natalie Kaddas, CEO, Kaddas Enterprises, as reported in testimony before the House Committee on Small Business
Mekky Media Relations (Chicago, Illinois) -- Investment in business expansion tools and new employee benefits such as maternity leave and a 401(k) matching program:
Michelle leads Mekky Media Relations, a public relations firm in Chicago, IL that employs 10 people. She said the new tax law is giving her the certainty to invest more aggressively in her people and her company. By making the 20% pass-through deduction permanent, Michelle gained the confidence it takes to make longer-term investments in employee benefits. This year, she launched paid maternity leave for the first time and is now moving forward with a 401(k)-matching program.
She also described reinvesting in growth tools, including AI technologies to better serve clients, and extending leadership coaching for senior talent. While her industry isn't equipment-heavy, she noted that improved expensing and stronger cash flow will support future investments in computers and systems as the business scales, helping her continue to elevate the company and the services it provides. -- April 15, 2026, Michelle Mekky, Owner, Mekky Media Relations, as reported in testimony before the House Committee on Small Business
Vicci Inc. (Fitchburg, Wisconsin) -- Business expansion and job creation:
VICCI oversees motorsports brands, including the engineering and manufacturing company, Riley Technologies, and Kellymoss, the winningest team in Porsche racing. Victoria shared the impact of reinstating immediate expensing for U.S.-based R&D. By allowing eligible businesses to amend tax returns for refunds on previously amortized R&D, Victoria's team is unlocking more than six figures to grow, hire, and innovate.
Victoria also pointed to evidence that the Working Families Tax Cut Act is strengthening American manufacturing demand across the supply chain. She is in the process of acquiring a 155,000-square-foot facility in North Carolina to meet customer demand. -- April 15, 2026, Victoria Thomas, President, VICCI Inc., as reported in testimony before the House Committee on Small Business
Russell's Convenience / Russell's Xpress (Denver, Colorado) -- Doubling store size, reopening two locations, and increasing workforce by 50% through expansion:
"The tax provisions in the bill are a critical part of my plan... Bonus depreciation alone will help me double the size of my most profitable store. That will allow me to add five more employees... The numbers now make sense for me to reopen two of my stores... All told, I expect to increase my employee numbers by 50 percent or more." - April 22, 2026, Raymond Huff, President, HJB Convenience Corp, as reported by the House Ways and Means Committee
Peg Leg Porker bbq restaurant (Nashville, Tennessee) -- Equipment purchases:
(Pictured above: Carey Bringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker)
"The section 179 deduction is huge at 100%. It allows business owners like me to say, alright, before the end of the year I'm going to buy a new truck, a new catering van, I'm going to buy to a new smoker, I'm going to invest more in my business, which can create more jobs, which drives revenue for other industries. Just nationwide as a whole it's great for American made products. It's just great for business all around. That ability to write it off in the year that you buy it and negate a lot of taxes because of that is huge.
If I can go buy a $200,000 piece of equipment, well now I'm buying something from another business who is going to benefit. It's going to help me expand my business operations, which is going to help me benefit. It's probably going to create some more jobs, not only from my business but for the other business I buy it from. And now my tax burden is reduced to the federal government. Because instead of giving that money to Uncle Sam, to spend on God knows what, now I'm giving it to another business.
I'm able to take the deduction and invest it into myself and my business that I know is going to create jobs. Other than being great tax policy, it's a feel-good policy for a business owner to feel better about the money that you're earning. Business owners want to invest, they want to create more. If you're a natural entrepreneur, you want to keep going. When the federal government deincentivizes you to keep going because the more you grow the more you get taxed, that's when business grinds to a halt. So deductions like this are paramount to businesses thriving in their communities." -- Carey Bringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker, testimonial to Americans for Tax Reform.
Sylvamo Corporation (Memphis, Tennessee) - Significant facilities expansion:
"Thanks to tax provisions in the OBBBA, we are investing to expand our U.S. operations.
This substantial impact for Sylvamo is rippling throughout the manufacturing sector, with the expansion in investment capacity resulting from the OBBBA enabling thousands of manufacturers across the country to invest more in their communities, offer higher pay or better benefits to their employees, conduct cutting-edge research, and create jobs. Achieving the manufacturing revitalization that this Congress and this Administration seek begins with a tax code that supports manufacturing investment, and that's exactly what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivered."
"Provisions such as immediate expensing for research, equipment, and facilities, a 21% corporate tax rate, and a modern international tax framework enabled us to invest and expand. A permanent, competitive tax structure is essential for continuing these job-creating investments."
"Specifically, investments announced in 2025 include:
* $100 million investment by Sylvamo to expand capacity at our Eastover, SC mill, adding 60,000 short tons annually;
* $45 million investment by Sylvamo in a new sheeter at our Sumter, SC plant to enhance efficiency and product quality; and
* $70 million investment by Arkansas-based The Price Companies, which will modernize and operate the woodyard at the Eastover, SC mill for Sylvamo--a critical step to strengthen the company." - December 3, 2025 written testimony of Agnes Webb, Vice President of Tax at Sylvamo, submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee [Video]
Camping World (Lincolnshire, Illinois) - Expanded facilities and operations:
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis also commented on how provisions from the new legislation are affecting business operations: "The deductible interest is helping us put more money directly into building new facilities, expanding operations, and hiring more American workers," Lemonis said. "Our customers travel in America, spend in America, and support American-made experiences. This legislation is a powerful signal that this administration understands the strength and impact of our industry." - August 7, 2025 South Bend Times
HM Manufacturing (Wauconda, Illinois) -- $645,000 purchase of new machining equipment and the creation of five new jobs:
"Beyond tax savings, which can be reinvested back into job creation and worker benefits, the law provides what Main Street needs most: certainty. With tax savings now locked in, entrepreneurs can plan for the years ahead -- making long-term investments that will help to shape communities for decades to come.
But what truly sets this law apart is the restoration of full and immediate expensing for capital equipment. This provision is a game changer for my company.
We're now moving forward with a $645,000 investment in new machining equipment that will allow us to take on more complex projects, many of which have recently been reshored from overseas. These new capabilities are about staying ahead of the curve in a fast-moving industry.
With these new machines comes new jobs. To support this expansion, we're planning to hire five team members: three skilled machinists, a shipping specialist and a receiving specialist." - Sept. 8, 2025 Chicago Sun-Times letter to the editor by Nicole Wolter, president and CEO of HM manufacturing
1920 Tavern (Roswell, Georgia) - Equipment purchases and pay raises:
"It restores 100% immediate expensing, allowing us to invest more in our equipment and our incredible staff, whom I consider family. These tax cuts have been game-changers for small businesses like mine. Savings allowed us to purchase new equipment, new flooring and tabletops that were handmade by a local wood maker. They also allowed us to hire more staff and give our longtime employees much-deserved raises." - Jenna Aronowitz, owner of 1920 Tavern, in a Nov. 13, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Op-Ed
Vance Truck Accessories (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) - Higher employee wages + bonuses, sponsorship of local youth baseball, football, and softball programs; local charitable giving:
"I run a small truck accessories company that specializes in American-made products. But I chose the worst possible time to set up shop. The year was 2016, and the economy wasn't doing great. I was basically broke, and every day was a struggle to find customers, hire workers and even keep my doors open. Taxes didn't help. Small businesses face a big burden. It was painful to watch the money I needed go out the door to Washington, D.C.
But then President Trump and Congress stepped up. In 2017, they passed a historic tax cut for small businesses, called the Small Business Deduction. Ever since, I've been able to deduct about 20% of my business income every year. Without this relief, I'd be at a huge disadvantage compared to big businesses. Their taxes are lower, and I need a level playing field to compete.
But my tax cut wasn't permanent. My taxes were going to go back to their original painful level at the end of this year. Thankfully, the Small Business Deduction is permanently in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the president signed on the Fourth of July.
To understand why this permanent tax cut matters, consider what I've been able to do since it was originally passed in 2017. One of the first things I did with the tax cut was move my business into a better part of town. I couldn't have done it without the extra money. The new location has helped me find more customers and give them a better experience.
I've also been able to pay my team more. Higher wages help them stick around, instead of getting poached by bigger competitors with more money. I've also been able to give them annual bonuses because of the tax cut.
But the most meaningful thing I've done with the extra money is give back to Oklahoma City. I love this city. I want it to be the best place in America for the next generation. So, I've sponsored baseball, football and softball programs at our local schools. I've also donated to the Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division, helping our local heroes get the mental health care they need. I couldn't do any of this if my taxes rose at the end of this year.
But now I don't have to worry about that. Those 20% savings have helped me build the small business I always dreamed about. Now that the Small Business Deduction is permanent, I can dream even bigger. I'm going to keep giving back and investing in my team, my community and my country's future.
And it's not just me. Tens of millions of other small businesses can now do the exact same thing. Studies show that small businesses will now create more than 1.2 million new jobs a year because they have the confidence and cash to grow and give back. I look forward to playing my part. I couldn't be more grateful that my small business has been empowered for the next 10 years and beyond." - Statement of Chris Vance, owner, as published in The Oklahoman newspaper on Aug. 11, 2025
Artic Air Heating & Cooling, Inc. (Phoenix, Arizona):
"Now we're making entirely different decisions, thanks to the permanent tax cut. We've put in place new plans to grow and give back to our community.
To get a sense of what small businesses like ours are now empowered to do, consider what we did after the initial tax cut eight years ago. To start, it let us pay off our small business loan at a much faster rate, ultimately getting it off our books. Now, we can use the extra money to invest in our operations and workers.
The tax cut also helped us invest in new equipment. Some new fleet trucks. A new forklift for the warehouse. A slew of new tools, including top-quality welders. These investments have helped us be more proficient in bidding against bigger businesses with more resources. Now, with a permanent tax cut, we can invest and compete with even more confidence.
And most importantly, we're better able to help our workers thrive. Over the few years, the tax cut enabled us to give our workers an unanticipated but much-needed raise, retaining the people we need to succeed. We were even able to pay a greater share of their health care costs. Now, with permanent relief, increased wage hikes are manageable for the foreseeable future.
None of this would be possible if D.C. had let this tax relief expire. We would have had to raise prices and cut costs, and over time, the pressure would have only increased. No wonder 95% of Americans were worried about the damage if the Small Business Deduction expired. Now they don't have to worry, and studies show that small businesses like ours will create 1.2 million jobs a year thanks to this relief." - October 3, 2025 Phoenix Independent
Sergio's Cuban American Kitchen (Florida) - Two new restaurant locations and 100 new jobs:
But thanks to the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, independent restaurants are poised to thrive - benefiting employees, customers and the community alike. For Sergio's Restaurants, my family small business, that means moving ahead with plans to open two new restaurant locations and hire approximately 100 new team members over the next year.
How? The new federal law restores 100% immediate expensing for capital equipment, which allows us to fully deduct the cost of appliances like ovens and refrigerators the year we buy it. The policy incentivizes small businesses to invest in operational expansion now, rather than waiting and kicking the can down the road.
Additionally, the law also makes the 20% small business deduction that was set to expire permanent and locks in lower tax rates for pass-through enterprises. (These are entities in which business revenue is taxed as the owner's personal income.)
The changes give restaurants like ours the long-term tax certainty we need to grow confidently and create jobs, as well as provide existing staff room for career development.
But arguably the most impactful part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for restaurants is the "no tax on tips" provision.
Under this new rule, tipped workers can deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their taxable income. In Florida, the average restaurant server earns around $37,000 annually, more than 60% of which comes from gratuity. That means the "no taxes on tips" policy could eliminate a huge chunk of their federal income tax burden. That's a savings of around $2,000 per year back in the pockets of the restaurant servers and bartenders who power our industry.
This is more than just a win for employees, it's a game-changer for employers too. This significant savings functions like a raise for workers, without increasing the cost of labor for restaurants and bars. At a time when the service industry is fighting to attract and retain talent, this new tax-savings tool makes our sector more competitive and helps level the playing field against other industries. - Aug. 15, 2025 Fox Business Network column
Slate Auto (Warsaw, Indiana) - New jobs and factory renovation:
Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman and several others spoke during a brief ceremony at the facility at 2801 W. Old U.S. 30, before tours were given of the plant renovation.
Barman said plans are to open toward the end of 2026. The plant will employ more than 2,000 people and is estimated to bring in $39 billion in revenue over 20 years to the state.
U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, who represents the Second District in Indiana, which encompasses Kosciusko County, emphasized Slate's made-in-America status.
"This is what happens when we pass landmark legislation (in Congress) like our One Big, Beautiful Bill, and we're hoping more opportunities like this come to fruition in the future right here in the Hoosier state," he said. "Our bill cuts red tape, rewards innovation and makes sure that America, not our adversaries like China, leads the way in the auto industry. This could not have happened without not only Slate's willingness to make investments, but also without the local elected officials who are here who spent a lot of time rolling out the red carpet to make sure that Slate Auto knew that this was the place for them to do business."
"Slate is proof that when we keep the made-in-America provisions strong, companies step up and they build right here at home," he added.
"When I think about a company like Slate Auto, a few of the provisions we put in the (Big, Beautiful Bill), things like ... a brand new made-in-America provision where a company like this can take an old factory, rehab it and be able to depreciate 100% of that expense in Year 1, it's such a big deal to allow companies to make products here in America instead of allowing China to lead the way in things like auto production," Yakym said after the ceremony. - August 28, 2025 Indiana Times-Union article
Vermeer Corporation (Pella, Iowa) - Factory expansion:
Businesses also can now immediately deduct capital expenditures under the new law.
Those provisions will help Vermeer invest in multimillion-dollar machining centers and likely add "hundreds of thousands" of square feet of new factory space, Andringa said. The company is already finishing a South Carolina expansion project.
The prospect of such a massive expansion goes to show "the importance of it (the tax cuts) being permanent," Miller-Meeks said. - Aug. 19, 2025 Des Moines Register
Wyoming Machine Inc. (Stacy, Minnesota) - Purchase of new equipment including a fiber optic welding machine:
"Before this reform, smaller manufacturers could deduct only 40% of the cost of major technology purchases in the first year and 20% in the second. The new rules allow full deduction up front, whether investing in cutting-edge fiber optic laser welding or other advanced tools.
For Tapani, the purchase of a new fiber optic laser welding machine, enabled by passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, not only boosts productivity but also addresses chronic shortages in highly trained welders. Fiber optic welding is easier to use and less damaging to materials, allowing Wyoming Machine to serve a wider array of customers and industries." - United States Chamber of Commerce
William Thiele, dairy farmer (Cabot, Pennsylvania) - Grain bin replacement for improved storage capacity and support of food quality:
"I'm a dairy farmer. I'm excited President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill back on July 4. And that really helps farmers like myself because on farms like mine we always have a lot of projects going on and one that we have going on here is we tore down a grain bin actually yesterday and we are going to be building a new one here soon. And so my family and I would not have had the confidence to have a project like this done if it wasn't for the One Big Beautiful Bill to help us with a project like this to improve our grain holding capacity. Remember, if we don't have quality food here, then we can't have a growing nation like we have now, so you always got to support farmers from all over America." - William Thiele, Aug. 7, 2025
U.S. Metal Powders, Inc. (Palmerton, Pennsylvania) - New job creation and company expansion:
"Thanks to this transformative tax legislation, U.S. Metal Powders has already broken ground on adding another production line--which will soon double the company's workforce. This is pro-growth tax policy in action." -- David N. Taylor, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, Aug. 8, 2025 press release
Cemen Tech (Indianola, Iowa) - New equipment purchases and expanded production:
"At Cemen Tech in Indianola, company leadership shared how the 100% immediate expensing provisions are giving them certainty to reinvest in new equipment and expand production and employees told me they appreciated knowing the company could continue to thrive." - August 25, 2025 Southeast Iowa Union newspaper
Alphabet, Inc. (Mountain View, California) - OBBBA's expensing provisions are helping the company create jobs and build data centers in South Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Virginia, and other locations:
"Changes to U.S. tax law enacted on July 4, 2025, allow, among other things, for immediate expensing of domestic research and experimentation costs and accelerated depreciation on eligible capital expenditures, the effects of which are included in operating cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2025." - Alphabet 3rd quarter 2025 results, released Oct. 29, 2025
Amgen (Thousand Oaks, California) -- $600 million construction of a new U.S. science and innovation center in California; $900 million expansion to the company's Ohio manufacturing facility; $1 billion for construction of a new North Carolina manufacturing facility; $650 million additional expansion to the U.S. manufacturing network; creation of new jobs:
"Amgen today announced plans to invest more than $600 million in a new, state-of-the-art center for science and innovation at its global headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California.
The center is designed to bring together researchers, engineers and scientists across disciplines to enhance collaboration and accelerate the discovery of next-generation therapeutics for patients with the most serious diseases. The building will feature advanced automation and digital capabilities, empowering scientists with the tools and environment needed to drive scientific excellence and advancements in biotechnology.
Amgen's long-standing commitment to U.S. innovation and state-of-the-art operations is reflected in more than $40 billion invested in manufacturing and research and development since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. This investment includes over $5 billion in direct capital expenditures in the U.S. The enactment of pro-growth tax policies in TCJA, extended and reinforced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, further facilitates Amgen's ability to invest domestically in cutting-edge science and manufacturing. -- Sept. 2, 2025 Amgen company press release
"Amgen today announced a $900 million expansion of its Ohio manufacturing facility, bringing the total number of jobs created to 750 and the total investment in Central Ohio to over $1.4 billion.
--
"Since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amgen has invested almost $5 billion in direct capital expenditures in the United States, generating an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12 billion." -- April 25, 2025 Amgen company press release
"Amgen today announced a $650 million expansion of its U.S. manufacturing network, creating hundreds of new jobs.
The planned investment will support increased drug production at the company's biologics manufacturing facility in Juncos and integrate innovative advanced technologies throughout the operations process. It is expected to create nearly 750 jobs, including construction roles and new highly skilled manufacturing jobs.
"This expansion underscores Amgen's commitment to U.S. biomanufacturing and to strengthening the resilience of our global supply chain," said Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen. "By growing our capacity to deliver innovative medicines with cutting edge technology in our manufacturing plants, we will not only better serve patients but also create high-quality jobs that reinforce America's leadership in biotechnology."
--
Amgen's long-standing commitment to U.S. innovation and state-of-the-art operations is reflected in more than $40 billion invested in manufacturing and research and development since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. The enactment of pro-growth tax policies in TCJA, extended and reinforced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, further facilitates Amgen's ability to invest domestically in cutting-edge science and manufacturing.
This announcement builds on Amgen's recent investments, including a $600 million science and innovation center in California and manufacturing expansions of $900 million in Ohio and $1 billion in North Carolina, respectively. -- Sept. 26, 2025 Amgen company press release
Laser Marking Technologies LLC (Caro, Michigan) -- Facility expansion:
Expensing "will allow us to invest into the future and immediately allow us to double our manufacturing space." "If I can expense our manufacturing additions and new buildings that we need to build so we can supply the machinery for the U.S. -- we can do that and immediately write that off. And that means something. Because that puts it right back into our local economy." -- Sam Palmeter, President of Engineering and New Product Development.
i2M (Mountaintop, Pennsylvania):
"Manufacturers are innovators. By restoring immediate R&D expensing for manufacturers across America, Congress has empowered manufacturers like i2M to innovate and create. That's how we keep our competitive edge--not just as a company, but as a country." -- i2M founder Chris Hackett
Todd Olsen, rancher (Lewistown, Montana):
"Ranching is a gamble and an ever-changing tax code does not make our job easier. The One Big Beautiful Bill gives us multi-year certainty on expensing rules and ag-specific provisions. We can finally plan ahead with more confidence -- and that helps with our business decisions across the board." -- Todd Olsen
Patti Marine Enterprises, Inc. (Pensacola, Florida):
"The full deductibility of the new construction and the 100% immediate expensing of equipment and the extension of the Trump tax cuts allows us to reinvest directly into our workforce, our facilities, and to grow our future." -- Frank Patti Jr.
Click Bond, Inc. (Carson City, Nevada) -- Equipment purchases and employee pay and benefits:
"The OBBBA makes permanent the pro-growth tax policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reinstating expired provisions on a permanent basis and preventing further damaging expirations. It also expands key incentives-- such as the change that will allow us to immediately expense new or improved production facilities. This historic law ensures a pro-growth tax code for manufacturers, ensuring that we can continue to offer the pay and benefits for our workers that allow them to build lifelong, family-supporting manufacturing careers." -- July 25, 2025 written testimony of Austin Robinson, Director of Manufacturing, Click Bond Inc. -- U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means Field Hearing on the One, Big, Beautiful Bill -- Delivering for American Workers -- Las Vegas, Nevada
Bear Valley Ranch (Parkfield, California) expensing provisions will help with equipment and capital purchases:
"Agriculture requires significant investments in machinery, equipment, and other depreciable assets and because of this, farmers and ranchers place great value on tax code provisions such as the Section 179 small business deduction. The ability to immediately expense purchases of equipment provide an incentive for farmers and ranchers to invest in their businesses. The increase of the Section 179 limitation to $2.5 million included in the One Big Beautiful Bill is a much-needed update to this tool which will help cattle producers make larger investments.
Section 179 helps cattle producers with difficult cash flow struggles, lowers their marginal effective tax rate, and eliminates burdensome recordkeeping requirements associated with depreciation. 57 percent of NCBA Tax Survey respondents reported using Section 179 in the past 3 years, and 45 percent of respondents say they would have incurred an additional tax burden exceeding $20,000 if they did not have access to it.
Accelerated deductions allow cattle producers to deduct expenses faster, reducing the tax burden and freeing up capital farm businesses can use to grow. Bonus depreciation, also known as first-year expensing, allows a business to deduct the cost of an asset the year it is placed in service. Farmers and ranchers generally use bonus depreciation when expenditures exceed the Section 179 small business deduction limits. 100 percent bonus depreciation was established in 2017, but it had been phasing out for several years. Reinstating this tool permanently will help cattle producers make essential investments without the burden of delayed tax benefits.
These improved tax incentives allow farmers to immediately write off capital investments, such as a new combine or tractor, and keep thousands of dollars in their bottom line. In addition to equipment purchases, other eligible items may include the purchase of "off-the-shelf" computer software, and breeding livestock." -- July 26, 2025 testimony of Kevin Kester, owner of Bear Valley Ranch, on behalf of National Cattlemen's Beef Association, submitted to House Ways and Means Committee
Robinson Helicopter Company, Inc. (Torrance, California) --
"The OBBBA restored immediate equipment expensing to the 100% level--and made this pro-growth, pro-manufacturing policy permanent. Thanks to the OBBBA, manufacturers and their associated suppliers now have both the policy tools and the certainty needed to compete in this capital-intensive industry.
For Robinson Helicopter, this means being able to carry out our plans to grow our business and create jobs faster. We are acquiring a new Torrance based warehouse very close to our Zamperini Field based headquarters that will allow us to expand our logistics capabilities and more effectively serve the maintenance needs of our customers. We expect that this expansion will lead to additional equipment purchases and increased workforce for this new space. The same is true for the expanded production lines we have planned, which will require a significant amount of research to develop both the best product and a cost-effective, scalable manufacturing processes. Once that process has been developed, it needs to be executed with significant investment in tools, equipment, and workers.
Full and immediate expensing of equipment positively impacts not only our ability to compete and grow our products and services, but also the workforce we will need to hire to operate our expanded manufacturing and logistics capability. That's going to be true across the manufacturing sector, where full expensing leads to lower costs of investment, more equipment purchases, accelerated workforce hiring, and an overall more competitive labor market and associated wages.
Across the economy, the TCJA accelerated U.S. job growth by 1.5 percentage points--a significant nominal increase representing hundreds of thousands of new nonfarm jobs. The TCJA also led to a 1.0 percentage point increase in the labor force participation rate, signifying hundreds of thousands of civilians entering the labor force. As you might expect in this type of tight labor market, in the two years after the TCJA's enactment, average earnings for production workers rose 6.0%, compared with just 4.9% for the two years prior to the TCJA.
This economic growth was a direct result of pro-investment policies like full expensing. And
now, in the OBBBA, Congress has made full expensing permanent. We've already seen how
these policies lead to economic growth, more jobs, and higher wages--and Robinson Helicopter is already rolling up our sleeves to take advantage of incentives like full expensing. For Robinson Helicopter, it's one of the most important components of this bill, and we look forward to helping deliver economic growth and job creation."
AT&T (Dallas, Texas) - Accelerating fiber infrastructure rollout and wireless services;
"AT&T plans to more quickly build fiber infrastructure thanks to pro-investment policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress today.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will spur investment, maintain U.S. leadership in innovation, and create economic opportunity nationwide. Thanks to the policies in this legislation, AT&T expects to invest more rapidly in next-generation networks after the bill is signed into law, increasing our investment by an additional 1 million fiber customer locations annually starting in 2026.
This bill also creates a pipeline of midband spectrum that will help meet soaring consumer demand and keep the U.S. technologically competitive with other countries. Paired with the tax provisions in the bill, this legislation paves the way for the stated goals laid out by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: unleashing high-speed infrastructure builds and restoring America's global lead in wireless technology through smart policy." -- July 3, 2025 AT&T company statement
"AT&T expects to realize $6.5 to $8.0 billion of cash tax savings during 2025-2027 relative to the guidance it provided at its 2024 Analyst & Investor Day due to tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This reflects estimated savings of $1.5 to $2.0 billion in 2025 and $2.5 to $3.0 billion in each of 2026 and 2027.
The Company intends to invest $3.5 billion of these savings into its network to accelerate its fiber internet build-out to a pace of 4 million locations per year, a run-rate it expects to achieve by the end of 2026. As a result of this increased pace of organic fiber deployment, AT&T expects that by the end of 2030 it will reach approximately 50 million customer locations with its in-region fiber network and more than 60 million fiber locations when including the Lumen Mass Markets fiber assets it has agreed to acquire and plans to expand, its Gigapower joint venture, and agreements with other commercial open access providers.
AT&T also intends to contribute $1.5 billion of these savings to its employee pension plan by the end of 2026, which would result in approximately 95% funding of the plan. The remaining tax savings will add to AT&T's financial flexibility to support additional strategic investments, incremental capital returns and debt repayment, among other potential uses." -- July 23, 2025 company statement
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, New Jersey) - Provides certainty for $55 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments:
"These very policies that just pass are the ones that have enabled our commitment to invest $55 billion in the US in the next four years. And our goal is to be able to manufacture in the US, all the medicines that are consumed in the US at the completion of that plan and we are on our way of being able to do that."
"We are pleased that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides certainty for our previously announced $55 billion commitment to invest here in the United States. This includes provisions such as permanent expensing for domestic R&D spend, permanent bonus depreciation, and 100% expensing of qualified production property, including our newly planned facility in North Carolina." - Joseph Wolk, Executive VP and CFO, July 16, 2025 earnings call.
Turk Stovall, rancher (Billings, Montana) -- equipment upgrades and other ranch investment:
"Because the One Big Beautiful Bill let's us fully expense valuable and necessary investments under Section 179 and 100% bonus depreciation, our ranch will be able to upgrade equipment, increasing our efficiency without being hit by a huge tax burden. That kind of flexibility matters in a ranch like ours." -- Turk Stovall
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Original text here: https://atr.org/expensing/
[Category: Political]
Americans for Tax Reform: 20 Center-Right Groups Urge President Trump to Counter Europe's Discriminatory Digital Taxes
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary by Blake Reed:* * *
20 Center-Right Groups Urge President Trump to Counter Europe's Discriminatory Digital Taxes
Donald Trump Speaking by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
*
Americans for Tax Reform led 20 organizations in a letter urging President Trump to take strong action against European tech taxes. These narrowly tailored taxes amount to a systematic campaign against American technology and telecommunications firms.
The letter commends the Administration's firm response to the European Union's ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary by Blake Reed: * * * 20 Center-Right Groups Urge President Trump to Counter Europe's Discriminatory Digital Taxes Donald Trump Speaking by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 * Americans for Tax Reform led 20 organizations in a letter urging President Trump to take strong action against European tech taxes. These narrowly tailored taxes amount to a systematic campaign against American technology and telecommunications firms. The letter commends the Administration's firm response to the European Union's"digital sovereignty" agenda, which the letter describes as a thinly veiled effort to target the world's most successful tech companies, nearly all of which are American. It urges President Trump to continue pushing back against these regulatory attacks, which function as non-tariff trade barriers, and to make elimination of discriminatory digital taxes and fees a precondition for any future trade agreements with the EU.
The letter highlights how Europe's approach insulates its own companies while imposing massive compliance costs, fines, and fees on U.S. firms. It warns that these policies not only harm American innovation and jobs but also risk handing market share to Chinese competitors. The letter also expresses concern over Europe's efforts to export its regulatory model to Latin America and beyond.
The key points in the letter include detailed criticism of four main EU tools:
* The Digital Networks Act (DNA), including attempts to expand it to cloud services in violation of recent U.S.-EU trade understandings.
* The Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets so-called "gatekeepers"--almost exclusively American companies--with investigations into firms like Microsoft and Amazon even when thresholds aren't clearly met.
* The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), under which 83% of fines (totaling over $5 billion) have hit American-owned companies.
* Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) imposed by EU member states and others, which could cost U.S. firms up to $117 billion cumulatively over the next decade according to economist Sinclair Davidson.
The letter notes that overall compliance costs and lost revenue from these measures could reach $100 billion annually for U.S. companies, ultimately borne by American workers and consumers through fewer jobs, reduced R&D, and higher prices.
"The EU's digital regulatory regime imposes compliance costs and lost revenue estimated at up to $100 billion annually on U.S. companies. The consequences ripple far beyond corporate balance sheets. Fewer American jobs are created as companies absorb punishing compliance burdens, while investment in research and development shrinks, slowing the pace of innovation. Those costs do not remain overseas -- they are ultimately borne by American workers and consumers. Europe's regulatory aggression is, in effect, a tax on the American middle class."
It applauds statements from the Administration, including President Trump's observation that "the EU makes more from fines on US tech, than tax from ALL of public European tech," as well as comments from Secretaries Lutnick and Bessent, and warnings from Kevin Hassett about potential consequences for countries maintaining these policies.
"We applaud your clear-eyed response to this challenge. You have rightly pointed out that the "EU makes more from fines on US tech, than tax from ALL of public European tech."
That message has been reinforced across your Administration. During a recent trip to Brussels, Secretary Lutnick called on the EU to reconsider its digital rules and find "a balanced approach that works with us." Secretary Bessent has been equally direct, describing the EU's digital taxes and fines as a centerpiece of trade negotiations and making clear your Administration is pushing back on "tariffs, non-tariff measures, currency manipulation, government subsidies and unfair taxation and fines." Kevin Hassett has similarly warned that countries maintaining these policies will face "the wrath of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.""
Read the full letter here:
April 24, 2026
The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 RE: Coalition in support of ending European attacks on U.S. tech and telecommunications companies Dear Mr. President: Europe's campaign for "digital sovereignty" is nothing more than a euphemism for targeting American businesses. We write to commend your Administration's strong and principled response to the European Union's systematic effort to weaponize regulation against the most successful technology companies in the world -- which happen to be American -- and urge you to continue standing up to these shortsighted attacks on a critical sector of our economy. The EU and its member states claim their digital laws are designed to promote fairness and healthy competition.
The reality is far simpler and far less flattering: these rules disproportionately burden American companies while insulating European competitors from equivalent scrutiny. Europe presents itself as welcoming American innovation and leadership, right up until American firms outperform their domestic champions.
At that point, the regulatory apparatus kicks into gear, not to protect consumers, but to kneecap the competition. Europe has become increasingly candid about this approach. EU policy experts, in response to U.S. engagement, recently claimed that the fact American companies are "feeling the pain" of their enforcement actions means "the laws are actually working" and is, in fact, "evidence" for why "they should be doubling down." In other words, the pain is the point. This antagonism extends well beyond economics. It damages the security and strategic cooperation that has anchored the transatlantic relationship for decades. Worse, it opens the door for dangerous, unreliable Chinese competitors to gain ground as American firms are pushed out of European markets by discriminatory fines, fees, and regulatory landmines.
The EU's gain is Beijing's windfall. The EU's Targeted Tactics The EU's so-called "digital sovereignty" measures are non-tariff barriers in regulatory clothing -- political tools cloaked in complexity to obscure their protectionist intent. They impose asymmetric costs on American firms while extracting billions in revenue from them, with little to no comparable burden placed on European competitors. While our European friends continue to come up with new and creative tactics, four laws in particular serve as the primary mechanisms for extorting American firms:
The Digital Networks Act (DNA) illustrates how Brussels operates. The European Commission is actively working to extend the law beyond telecoms to encompass cloud services and their infrastructure. A recently leaked draft reveals this expansion as a backdoor mechanism to impose sweeping new network fees targeting American providers. This would constitute a direct and brazen violation of the U.S.-EU trade framework agreed upon last summer, which explicitly affirmed that the EU "will not adopt or maintain network usage fees." The ink is barely dry on that agreement, and it is already being circumvented.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) imposes special obligations on so-called "gatekeepers" -- the largest, most successful platforms -- which are almost exclusively American. Not one designated company is European. In November, the Commission opened investigations into Microsoft and Amazon under the DMA while acknowledging, in its own documents, that neither clearly meets the law's stated thresholds.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while framed as consumer protection, operates as a mechanism for extracting private company data and imposing massive penalties. Eighty-three percent of GDPR fines -- totaling more than $5 billion -- have been levied against American-owned companies. Eight of the ten largest fines targeted U.S. firms or their subsidiaries. While the rules technically apply to any company operating in the EU, enforcement tells a different story. These penalties function less as consumer protection and more as de facto tariffs on U.S. firms.
Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) complete the picture. Levied by individual EU member states and copycat governments around the world, these taxes are based not on where a company produces value, but on where users happen to click. They fall almost exclusively on large American technology companies, asserting taxing rights with no basis in traditional principles of production or presence.
As economist Sinclair Davidson documents in his study "How Digital Services Taxes Violate Constitutional Principles and Threaten American Commerce," U.S. firms already pay nearly $3 billion annually in DSTs -- a figure that could double by 2030 and reach $9.6 billion under broader adoption, with cumulative costs over the next decade potentially hitting $117 billion. These policies strip revenue from American firms, pass costs on to consumers through higher prices, and divert revenue away from the U.S. Treasury.
Standing Up for American Workers and Consumers
The EU's digital regulatory regime imposes compliance costs and lost revenue estimated at up to $100 billion annually on U.S. companies. The consequences ripple far beyond corporate balance sheets. Fewer American jobs are created as companies absorb punishing compliance burdens, while investment in research and development shrinks, slowing the pace of innovation. Those costs do not remain overseas -- they are ultimately borne by American workers and consumers. Europe's regulatory aggression is, in effect, a tax on the American middle class.
We applaud your clear-eyed response to this challenge. You have rightly pointed out that the "EU makes more from fines on US tech, than tax from ALL of public European tech." That message has been reinforced across your Administration. During a recent trip to Brussels, Secretary Lutnick called on the EU to reconsider its digital rules and find "a balanced approach that works with us." Secretary Bessent has been equally direct, describing the EU's digital taxes and fines as a centerpiece of trade negotiations and making clear your Administration is pushing back on "tariffs, non-tariff measures, currency manipulation, government subsidies and unfair taxation and fines."
Kevin Hassett has similarly warned that countries maintaining these policies will face "the wrath of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer." Stopping the Export of the European Model But the most recent U.S. efforts to revisit these policies have been met with a blunt response from European officials: the time for discussion has passed, and the U.S. should simply "let go" of trying to change them.
That posture violates the most basic principles of fairness and reciprocity that our allies claim to respect. It cannot go unanswered. More concerning still is the reach of Europe's approach. European leaders, regulators and industry groups are actively promoting and even directly lobbying for the adoption of their digital rulebook across Latin America. As a result, countries in our own hemisphere have begun adopting similar policies, giving China a foothold in our own backyard. The EU's digital framework must not be permitted to become the global standard by default.
The window to prevent that outcome is now. As your Administration has rightly argued, eliminating discriminatory digital taxes and regulatory fees must be a precondition for any future trade agreement with the European Union. Anything less risks entrenching these practices and encouraging their expansion. Without a strong response, American innovators will continue to face rising costs and increasingly distorted competition. We stand ready to support your efforts to defend American workers, American innovation, and the principles of fair and reciprocal trade as you lead our nation into a new era of prosperity.
Sincerely,
[View co-signers in the link at bottom]
CC: Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Department of Commerce
Ambassador Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative
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Original text here: https://atr.org/20-center-right-groups-urge-president-trump-to-counter-europes-discriminatory-digital-taxes/
[Category: Political]