Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Passage of the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement:  

“Today, Republicans failed the American people by passing their Big, Ugly Bill that delivers the largest cuts to health care and food assistance in American history. House Democrats used every tool possible to persuade our Republican colleagues to do the right thing – from offering amendments to protect SNAP and Medicaid to Leader Jeffries 8+ hour “magic minute.” Republicans refused to listen. Now, millions will pay the price.

“Nearly 17 million people will lose their health care. Up to 300 hospitals and a quarter of nursing homes will close or cut services. Millions of children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities will be kicked off of SNAP at a time when families are already struggling with rising grocery costs. They did all of this, including adding $4 trillion to the national debt, just to fund permanent tax breaks for billionaires. Working families, our children, and our grandchildren will be left to foot the bill. 

 “By bowing to the whims of the wannabe King, Donald Trump, Republicans have misled the American people. This reckless bill doesn’t cut wasteful spending and lower costs for working families. It punishes the vulnerable.

“Let’s be clear: Democrats won’t stop fighting. We’re standing up every day to protect access to health care, safe communities, quality education, good jobs, and secure retirements.”

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