Axios: Inside Jeffries’ plan to maximize GOP budget headaches
Politico: House Democrats are launching a longshot procedural move to prevent safety net cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Leader Hakeem Jeffries and House Democratic leadership announced a plan for a discharge petition to block cuts to Medicaid and free school meals. Defend America Action Senior Spokesperson Rodericka Applewhaite released the following statement:
“Leader Jeffries and House Democrats are calling the bluff of the so-called moderates in the House Republican conference: put up or shut up.
“The choice is crystal clear. Sign this petition and block devastating cuts to healthcare and school lunches for American families which many have said they oppose, or don’t and show their true colors.
“Will these self-proclaimed reasonable centrists actually stand up for their constituents? Or will they once again bow to wealthy elites and Donald Trump, sacrificing rural hospitals and meals for kids for yet another tax break for the rich? We won’t hold our breath.”
Background
Democrats Fight for Access to Basic Needs Programs. Leader Jeffries, along with Whip Clark, Ranking Member Pallone, Ranking Member Craig and Ranking Member Boyle, announced Democrats’ plan to bypass GOP leadership and force a vote on legislation if 218 House members sign on. This requires only five House Republicans to stand up against Trump’s plan to cut millions in funding for essential programs that help Americans meet their basic needs.
The Republican Budget Faces Widespread Opposition And Would Harm Working Americans. 70% of voters oppose elements of the Republican budget, including nearly half of Trump’s own voters. 85% of voters reject the budget’s plan to cut Medicaid and 76% of voters reject cuts to food assistance programs to offset tax cuts for the wealthy. The plan increases costs for the bottom 40% of Americans while directing money to the wealthiest 5%. It endangers food assistance for 40 million Americans, and proposed Medicaid cuts could cost tens of thousands of American lives.
###