President Trump Signs “Big, Beautiful, Bill” Into Law

On Friday, July 4, President Trump signed the "Big Beautiful Bill" into law following narrow passage by the Senate and the House. The legislation includes several provisions that affect public health programs and access to higher education.

The bill includes changes to the Medicaid program, such as new work requirements and penalties for states that expanded Medicaid coverage. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation could result in nearly 12 million fewer people having health insurance by 2034.

The legislation also modifies federal student aid programs. It eliminates the Grad PLUS loan program and imposes new borrowing caps for graduate students. These changes are expected to limit access to advanced degrees in public health and other health professions. The bill also restricts access to income-driven repayment programs such as Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), which may influence students' decisions to pursue careers in public service.

Last month, ASPPH joined more than 50 national and state health and education organizations in sending a letter to Congress expressing concern about provisions in the bill that could impact the training pipeline for health professionals. The letter highlighted the importance of maintaining access to affordable education and financial support for students pursuing careers in public health, particularly those serving in underserved communities.

ASPPH continues to support policies that expand educational opportunity, strengthen the public health workforce, and improve access to care.

Last month, ASPPH joined more than 50 national and state health and education organizations in urging Congress to reject harmful provisions in the House-passed budget bill that would weaken the nation's health workforce and limit access to care. In a joint letter to Congressional leaders, the organizations raised serious concerns that proposed cuts could disrupt the training pipeline for healthcare professionals, particularly those serving in underserved communities.

Among the key provisions under threat are federal student aid programs that are vital to students pursuing careers in public health and other health professions. The letter opposes the elimination of subsidized undergraduate loans and the Grad PLUS loan program, both of which help make health education more affordable. The coalition also called on Congress to raise federal loan limits to reflect the full cost of rigorous health and medical education, especially for low-income and first-generation students.

ASPPH remains committed to advocating for policies that support a strong and diverse health workforce. We call on Congress to advance bipartisan solutions that protect educational opportunities, expand access to care, and promote health equity across the country. Preparing today's students to be tomorrow's public health leaders is essential to the nation's future.