WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, following the House passage (216-214) of the revised federal budget framework, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement:
“Today, I voted against the Republican budget plan, a fiscally reckless and damaging effort to pass a budget that undermines the integrity of vital programs for millions of Americans, like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to give billionaires even more tax cuts.
"The Republican budget paves the way for a permanent expansion of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which overwhelmingly benefits the wealthiest individuals and corporations. Americans who need the most support will be harmed by this budget, which significantly adds to the deficit and slashes vital programs, setting the stage for economic disaster.
“The proposed budget is positioned to slash $880 billion from Medicaid, stripping health care coverage from millions of Americans, including seniors, children, people with disabilities, and families. In the Fifth District, over 200,000 people on Medicaid would be at risk of losing coverage, while another 25,000 people would see a 60% increase in average health care premiums. The Republican plan also targets education programs with $330 billion in cuts, threatening student loan programs, like Pell Grants. SNAP faces $230 billion in cuts, jeopardizing access to food for families nationwide, including 88,000 Fifth District residents, struggling with rising prices and inflation. Investments in infrastructure, consumer protections, and clean energy initiatives are also at risk.
“Furthermore, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects this budget adds more than $14 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, jeopardizing the economic future of our nation.
“Instead of investing and strengthening vital programs, this Republican budget offers tax giveaways for the wealthiest few. This will further widen the gap between the ultra-rich and everyone else. Budgets reflect priorities, and the Republican Majority is choosing to enrich billionaires at the expense of American families.
“I will always vote against legislation that sacrifices the well-being of the Fifth District and the American people for the benefit of the wealthiest individuals and corporations.”
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