Tracking federal budget decisions is never easy. Between the president’s budget proposal, congressional resolutions, appropriations bills, and last-minute continuing resolutions, the process is complicated even in a typical year. But this year is anything but typical.
On top of the standard appropriations process, executive branch actions—some unilateral and potentially subject to judicial review—have introduced deep funding cuts across multiple areas. Meanwhile, widespread staffing reductions are creating practical barriers to accessing programs, regardless of eligibility. For example, qualifying for a Pell Grant won’t mean much if there’s no one to process the application.
Discretionary spending—everything the federal government funds that isn’t legally mandated—has traditionally made up nearly half the federal budget. This year, the president has proposed a 23% cut in non-defense discretionary spending, while increasing funding for defense, border enforcement, and the FAA.
Several widely used programs are slated for elimination. These include:
- Head Start, which serves over 180 children and families in Adams County
- Meals on Wheels, which supports elderly residents unable to leave their homes
- LIHEAP, which helps low-income households insulate their homes and reduce utility bills
Cuts to Head Start, for example, would affect not just early education but also affordable child care, making it harder for parents to hold jobs.
Some proposed cuts are being framed with misleading claims. For instance, while proponents insist Medicaid cuts only impose work requirements on “able-bodied” recipients, the reality is that such changes will result in lost medical coverage for millions. Even a $35 co-pay can create a barrier to care. Hospital closures are expected to follow.
Despite assurances that Medicare will be untouched, the proposed budget deficits would automatically trigger $500 billion in Medicare reductions.
Local organizations such as the South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP) could face significant setbacks. Cuts to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which supports administrative costs and food pantries, would hit the agency hard.
Other impacts are less directly tied to federal budget lines but remain significant. Gettysburg College relies on more than 300 international students—14% of its student body—for tuition and cultural diversity. National declines in international enrollment mean lost revenue for colleges and surrounding communities.
Similarly, the Gettysburg National Military Park could face indirect challenges from executive orders aimed at “negative history.” While international tourism has never been a major economic driver here, local officials are watching developments closely.
Price increases tied to tariffs and trade policies are expected to become visible at local retailers like Walmart and Target in the coming weeks.
Even Pennsylvania’s booming wine industry—now the fourth largest in the U.S., with $7 billion in annual economic impact—is seeing declines in exports due to global trade tensions.
Gettysburg Connection will continue to track the effects of federal budget proposals as they move through Congress and their implications for Adams County residents.
Leon Reed, freelance reporter, is a former US Senate staff member, defense consultant, and history teacher. He is a 10 year resident of Gettysburg, where he writes military history and explores the park and the Adams County countryside. He is the publisher at Little Falls Books, chaired the Adams County 2020 Census Complete Count Committee and is on the board of SCCAP. He and his wife, Lois, have 3 children, 3 cats, and 5 grandchildren.
Thank you for clarifying how these cuts can affect those of us here in Adams County. And we’ve yet to feel the full brunt of the tariffs.