by Clovis Honoré, Indian Voices Social Justice Editor
On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, known as the Reconciliation Bill or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” was signed into law by President Trump.
On August 26, the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice (ICEJ), an organization of faith leaders representing a wide swath of spiritual and religious perspectives, held a twilight vigil in the federal courthouse plaza in downtown San Diego, demanding a repeal of HR 1.
It was one of many events organized in support of the Covenant for Our Future held across the country that week. Covenant for Our Future is a national multi-faith alliance seeking to reverse injustices perpetrated by HR 1.
Rhea Kuhlman, one of the organizers of the vigil, described the event and its intent:
“‘Beautiful’ isn’t the word many folks present used to describe HR 1. ‘Bloated’ and worse have been used in place of the word ‘beautiful.’ According to the organizers, HR 1 makes the richest 10 percent of Americans richer by about $13,600 per year, depriving the poorest 10 percent of about $1,200 per year. Approximately 17 million Americans will lose healthcare from Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) cuts. SNAP (CalFresh) food aid cuts will impact families struggling to pay rent, electric and medical bills, and still feed their household.
“HR1 includes punitive measures targeting immigrants, legal and undocumented, particularly using massive ICE funding. Detention centers can now hold adults and children indefinitely.
“Environmental impacts of HR 1 are devastating, from cuts to renewable energy programs and electric vehicles to subsidies for drilling, mining, and logging on public lands and waters.
“Most frightening, the worst is yet to come: More measures kick in January 2027, safely after the mid-term elections, and roll out over the next 10 years.
“After ICEJ Master of Ceremonies Clovis Honore offered background on HR 1, Jose Franco Garcia, Environmental Health Coalition’s Executive Director, described EHC federal grant cuts that have severely damaged its ability to bring environmental justice to at-risk communities in National City and Barrio Logan.
“Rev. Kristen Kuriga of First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego described HR 1’s harm to the church’s South Bay food pantry serving over 500 families a week. Skyrocketing needs due to cuts in food aid make it almost impossible to meet the demand.
“She spoke of church members accompanying migrants to Immigration Court, watching individuals—who have committed no crime—separated from their families.
“St. Luke’s Episcopal North Park co-pastor Rev. Colin Matthewson described a congregant, a hard-working African immigrant leader, needlessly targeted by HR 1’s provisions.
“Jacob Morales of SanDiego350 Youth4Climate described the horrific environmental future facing his generation. At 17, Jacob chooses to work for change.
“Finally, ICEJ Co-Chair Yusef Miller questioned what’s beautiful about the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ created by hate and resulting in ugliness.
“While realizing HR1 won’t disappear overnight, attendees have called on their legislators: be prepared when the opportunity arises!
The primary response the vigil sought to promote is to get people to sign the ‘Covenant for Our Future’ and to reach out to their legislators and encourage them to sponsor and vote for legislation to repeal of HR 1
