In a highly contentious move, Republicans in Congress passed a budget bill that Democrats have condemned as “one of the worst bills in our nation’s history.” The legislation gives billionaires permanent tax breaks. At the same time, it allows one of the most important tax breaks for low-income workers to expire in three years, causing fierce backlash from Democratic leaders who say it will devastate working-class Americans.
The bill’s passage occurred during a tumultuous session in which Republicans demonstrated what many Democrats viewed as indifference to the concerns of their constituents. The revised legislation would force millions to lose their healthcare and millions more would have to pay higher premiums.
Kenneth Martin, then-chair of the Democratic National Committee, promised a dogfight. He promised that Democrats would mount an energetic effort to educate the public on the bill’s consequences and hold Republicans responsible for their votes.
“Today, Donald Trump and the Republican party sent a message to America: if you are not a billionaire, we don’t give a damn about you.” – Ken Martin
Texas Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett expressed her dismay, stating that “Republicans in Washington have decided to sell out working people.” She pointed out that the bill is a payday for the rich, with people who are poor paying the price.
Senator Raphael Warnock, whose own election is up in the air, decried the day as “a dark day for our country.” He focused on the bill’s detrimental impacts, most notably to rural hospitals and nursing homes that will be at risk of closing due to loss of funding. He was particularly upset that the consequences would hit marginalized communities the hardest.
“There is no sugarcoating this. This is a dark day for our country.” – Raphael Warnock
This shutdown strategy from the GOP has been infuriating not just GOP leadership’s own Democratic colleagues. Traditional Democrats would counter that Republicans have focused on the wrong priorities, such as shortchanging basics like healthcare or social services. Instead, they prioritize tax cuts for the rich. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did a fantastic job of calling out the hypocrisy in the bill. She lambasted its proposed spending on immigration enforcement while eliminating social benefits for working-class Americans.
Furthermore, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib described the bill as “disgusting” and “an act of violence against our communities.” Her remarks underscore a growing worry within the Democratic Party. They argue that this legislation hurts people and threatens the well-being of communities.
Despite the backlash, there were a few Republicans who listened to their constituents and heard their concerns. Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell conceded that Americans have been calling on his party to protect Medicaid. Instead, it seemed like he was trying to minimize the urgency of their concerns.
“I know a lot of us are hearing from people back home about Medicaid. But they’ll get over it.” – Mitch McConnell
Republican Senator Joni Ernst responded to concerns regarding health coverage with a flippant remark: “Just get over it.” In any case, Democrats are rightly furious that these comments somehow became public. These attitudes, they think, show just how out of touch elected leaders are with everyday Americans.
Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, criticized the legislation further, calling it “the single most expensive, dishonest, and reckless budget reconciliation bill ever,” and warned of its potential long-term impacts on the nation’s fiscal health.
“Never before has a piece of legislation been jammed through with such disregard for our fiscal outlook, the budget process, and the impact it will have on the wellbeing of the country and future generations.” – Maya MacGuineas
The passage of this joint budget bill will do irreparable damage to existing social welfare programs. It will be critically important in the forthcoming midterm elections. Democrats are counting on this very unpopular piece of legislation to outrage and energize voters which may lead to historic Republican losses in the member-drawn Congressional maps.
House Majority PAC articulated their position on the matter, asserting that Republicans have chosen to “jack up costs, gut health care, and reward the elite with tax breaks.” With conditions so ripe for discord, both teams prepare for what both sides acknowledge is likely to be a nasty campaign stretch to come.