Ant Thornton, Senator of New Mexico, said that HR 1 does not reduce the deficit but defended its tax relief measures as beneficial for working-class citizens in New Mexico.
"Let's be clear… the Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1) going through Congress doesn't reduce our federal deficit," said Anthony L. Thornton, New Mexico State Senator from 198th District (R). "It is not fiscally conservative. No tax on tips. Liberal / Progressive politicians hate the bill because it attempts to give money back to YOU the citizenry and NOT to the government bureaucracy."
In May 2025, the U.S. House passed H.R. 1, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which includes significant tax reforms such as eliminating federal income taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. According to Business Insider, Republicans assert that the bill supports working Americans; however, critics argue it disproportionately benefits high earners and worsens the deficit. Economists warn that the legislation may exacerbate inequality while reducing funds for public services.
H.R. 1’s tax exemptions are projected to significantly reduce federal revenues. The Peter G. Peterson Foundation estimates that eliminating income taxes on overtime could cost between $680 billion and $866 billion over a decade, potentially rising to $1.5 trillion if payroll taxes are also excluded. Americans for Tax Fairness estimates that the tip income exemption alone could reduce federal revenue by $107 billion over ten years.
According to Reuters, H.R. 1’s tax relief measures would provide limited benefit to many low-income families in New Mexico since many in this group already owe little or no federal income tax; thus, exemptions on tips and overtime may not significantly increase take-home pay. Meanwhile, proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP could disproportionately harm New Mexico, where public assistance is widely used, potentially offsetting any tax gains.
Ant Thornton is the Republican Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico and a key advocate for conservative fiscal policy. According to the Los Alamos Reporter, he has a business background and supports legislation that lowers taxes and curbs government spending. Thornton has publicly backed tax reform efforts like H.R. 1, emphasizing growth-oriented strategies and reduced regulatory burdens to boost the state economy.
