Following the release of the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) economic outlook for 2026 to 2028, Senator Jeff Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, commented on the report’s findings regarding the effects of recent federal policies. The CBO report indicates that tariffs, changes in immigration policy, and new legislation passed during President Trump’s administration are expected to keep inflation elevated and slow job growth.
“We knew before the Big, Ugly Betrayal bill was ever signed into law that Trump’s reckless tariff agenda was keeping inflation high and pressing workers to the wall. Despite this, Republicans passed their Big, Ugly Betrayal law that forces millions off of their health care and causes millions of children to go hungry – all to fund tax giveaways for the wealthiest Americans,” said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley. “So, it is no surprise that the new economic projections published today by the Congressional Budget Office still show that these policies are hurting hardworking Americans.”
Merkley further stated: “This has to end. Republicans cannot continue to make working Americans sicker and poorer while giving handouts to billionaires. We must put an end to Trump’s families lose, and billionaires win agenda.”
Earlier communications from CBO have indicated that tariff policies implemented under President Trump could slow economic growth and raise inflation rates. Additionally, after Congress passed what is referred to as the "Big Ugly Law," CBO analyses showed that its benefits were concentrated among wealthy individuals while increasing costs for working families.
