Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a deeply harmful budget reconciliation package that prioritizes tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of millions of hard-working American families. The bill passed 215-214 and now goes to the Senate. If passed there, it will mean the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in U.S. history, while lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy with massive tax cuts.
ParentsTogether Action is raising urgent concerns about the profound harm these cuts will inflict on families nationwide.
In response, Ailen Arreaza, Executive Director of ParentsTogether Action said:
“Make no mistake: this bill is a cruel betrayal of families.
In the dead of night, Republicans in Congress held committee hearings and then voted early this morning to rip health care away from millions and take food off kids’ plates – all to hand massive tax breaks to billionaires.
Parents across the country are outraged – and we will not forget who chose billionaires over our children.”
Additionally, ParentsTogether Action has compiled stories of parents who are struggling to make ends meet here. Additionally, quotes from these parents on what cuts to SNAP and Medicaid would mean for their families are below.
This plan will:
- Cut Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding by $715 billion, stripping health coverage from nearly 14 million Americans.
- Slash $230 billion from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), shifting 10% of the cost burden to states, and imposing stricter work requirements that jeopardize food aid for millions.
- According to the Congressional Budget Office, this would mean 3 million people lose SNAP benefits each month.
- According to the Congressional Budget Office, this would mean 3 million people lose SNAP benefits each month.
- Take the Child Tax Credit away from 4.5 million U.S. citizen children, and lock 17 million low-income children out of the full credit because their families don’t earn enough.
- Raise taxes for the bottom 40% of Americans, while giving 70% of the tax benefits to the wealthiest 5%.
ParentsTogether Action calls on the Senate to reject this cruel and shortsighted legislation and urges all lawmakers to remember who they were elected to serve. Families need care and support—not cruelty masquerading as fiscal responsibility.
Parent Quotes:
“Medicaid is the lifeline that gives my son access to his neurologist and the seizure medication he depends on. Without it, I don’t know how we’d survive. It’s also made it possible for me to get essential care during my pregnancies, from doctors, midwives, and doulas who supported and protected my health and my baby’s every step of the way. Thanks to Medicaid, my entire family has been able to stay healthy – not just survive. The thought of losing that support is terrifying. Any cuts to Medicaid would devastate us, financially and otherwise.” – Ashley T., California City, California
“Our SNAP benefits were slashed from $800 to just $185 when the COVID emergency funds ended. That cut has been devastating. Both of my daughters are autistic and have multiple special needs and finding the foods they can safely eat is already a challenge. The alternatives they need aren’t affordable without help. I thought our benefits would stay the same since my husband is medically disabled, and one of our daughters has seizures and developmental delays, but even with disability income, we’re drowning under rising costs. Gas and electricity keep climbing, food prices are up, and SNAP hasn’t matched the rise in those costs. The $30 per child they’re offering this summer helps, but it’s not nearly enough, and this is the last year we’ll get it. Families like mine are being left behind.” – Gabrielle J., El Paso, TX
“Medicaid has been there for me through every stage of life including prenatal care, dental emergencies and ensuring I have access to the essential medications I need. It’s not just insurance, it’s a safety net for my family. If Medicaid funding is cut, it wouldn’t just hurt us, it would upend our lives.” –Taylour G., Tampa, Florida
“As a grandmother and full-time caregiver to my adult daughter and grandson, programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and free school meals aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. My daughter lives with a chronic mental illness that makes it impossible for her to work. I have my own chronic health issues that prevent me from working, too. Without these supports, we simply can’t afford food, housing, or basic utilities. The thought of losing access to these programs due to funding cuts is terrifying. When you’re physically unable to work, my family is left with few options for survival.” Adria P., Detroit, MI
Credit:
ParentsTogether Action, a nonprofit parent and family advocacy group that represents more than 3 million families, brings parents together to make a difference on the issues that matter most to our kids and families — things like family leave, childcare, and quality education.
