WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) expresses deep concern and disappointment over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which passed both the Senate and House and is expected to be signed by President Trump. People with disabilities—especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)—along with their families, caregivers, and advocates, did everything possible to stop this harmful bill.
The Congressional Budget Office projects that more than 7.8 million people will lose Medicaid coverage, including many individuals with I/DD who depend on it for personal care, housing, and employment supports.
Changes to SNAP will also result in millions losing food assistance—including people with disabilities who face added barriers to meeting new work and paperwork requirements. Other provisions further strain limited state resources, including an unlimited tax credit for private school vouchers that will likely siphon funding from public schools—schools that are required to accept students with disabilities—toward private schools not required to accommodate them.
No one who voted for this legislation can claim they were unaware of its consequences,” said Jill Jacobs, executive director of NACDD. “They were told clearly and repeatedly by thousands of their constituents: this bill would hurt people with disabilities—particularly those who rely on Medicaid‑funded home‑and‑community‑based services (HCBS) to live, work, and participate in their communities.
Instead of protecting and strengthening the supports that make independence possible, Congress chose to pass a bill designed to cut billions from critical services. HCBS—already underfunded in many states—will face even greater strain, especially for individuals with the highest needs.
“Let us be absolutely clear: every member of Congress who voted for the OBBBA will be held accountable. When people lose coverage, go without care, or face hunger and instability, those who supported this bill will be responsible—and expected to fix it,” said Jacobs.
As states begin implementing this law, State Councils on Developmental Disabilities will play a critical role in ensuring that people with I/DD and their families are at the table.
“We will work to elevate stakeholder input, bring together partners, and help states navigate the many challenges ahead while defending civil rights and community‑based supports,” added Jacobs, “We are committed to partnering with states to protect what we can, fight for what we must, and ensure that no policy moves forward without the full inclusion of people with I/DD and their lived experience. The disability community is resilient, and we will continue to organize, advocate, and demand policies that reflect our fundamental values: inclusion, equity, and the right to live in the community with dignity and respect.”
