Much has been written and/or discussed about the ridiculous, hurtful, Big Beautiful Bill passed into law last week with President Trump’s signature. According to the bill’s implementation, the real hurt won’t be felt until 2028, when Medicaid recipients will first begin to lose health coverage.
I’m not here restating my anger with the inhumanity of the bill and its clear immorality; rather, I want to express my sense of dismay at another surrender of the House of Representatives to Trump. It’s something I felt I would never have to witness.
Recall the Trump signing ceremony. When finished, Speaker Mike Johnson retrieved the gavel that he had used in the successful passage of the bill by the House of Representatives. In a small flurry, he presented it to Trump, and with a smirky grin, Trump accepted.
Some might argue that this gesturer was innocuous, but I saw it as the Speaker presenting the key to the House’s front door to the head of the executive branch.
This may not be anything new as we’ve watched the House dissolve its Constitutional role. But to witness an actual transfer of power on national television was heartbreaking.
William Swartz
Howell
