Billions in Pork: How the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Steers Taxpayer Dollars to Red States

While the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” touts fiscal reform and national renewal, a closer look reveals that much of the bill’s funding is quietly routed to Republican-dominated states. Hidden within the legislation are earmarks—state-specific funding provisions—that often bypass competitive processes in favor of political loyalty.

Let’s break down some of the more striking examples:

Rural Hospital Bailout – $25 billion

This fund, set to begin in 2028, provides massive subsidies to rural hospitals, particularly in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. These states, which opted out of Medicaid expansion, now stand to receive billions in federal aid without performance requirements or needs-based criteria.

High-Speed Rail Feasibility in Appalachia – $3 Billion

Although no high-speed rail projects are currently under construction in Appalachia, the bill sets aside $3 billion for feasibility studies and infrastructure upgrades for Kentucky, West Virginia, and eastern Tennessee.

Research Park Grants for Conservative Universities – $750 Million

Texas A&M, Liberty University, and the University of Alabama system are named recipients of federal research park funding. The allocation bypasses competitive research funding processes and directs taxpayer dollars to politically aligned institutions.

Border Infrastructure and Detention Centers – $46 Billion

This significant allocation funds border wall construction and migrant detention facilities across Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. Contracts are expected to favor local construction companies, making this a boon for regional industries and a political statement on immigration.

The “Freedom Roads” Highway Expansion – $5 Billion

A new rural highway initiative will target largely Republican Midwest states such as Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio. Many of these projects lie outside the national highway system, raising questions about their strategic value.

Columbus, Ohio Urban Development – $125 Million

This earmark funds a “Capitol District Revitalization” in downtown Columbus, including parking garages, public art, and commercial space. With no national infrastructure justification, it appears more like a hometown favor than a federal priority.

Conclusion: Funding Politics, Not Policy

While the bill enacts deep cuts to student loan programs and federal entitlements, it simultaneously secures loyalty by funneling billions into red and battleground states. For citizens acting as the Board of Directors of our democracy, this bill is a case study in political strategy masquerading as public policy.

Accountability means asking what is funded and why, where, and for whom.