Congressman Meeks Votes Against Republican Tax Breaks for Wealthy, Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement condemning the Republican budget, which narrowly passed the House along party lines:

"Despite their rhetoric about helping the average American, House Republicans revealed their true priorities in their vote to pass Speaker Ryan's disastrous budget resolution. Every single Republican who voted for this budget is now on record as siding with millionaires and billionaires at the expense of the hardworking Americans across the nation.

"The Republican budget which slashes Medicare and Medicaid funding, will hit hardworking Americans the hardest, all while providing enormous tax cuts for millionaires like Donald Trump and his cabinet.

"As legislators, we were elected to fight for the American people. Instead, with this resolution, Republicans once again demonstrated a willingness to place special interests above the best interests of their constituents. I reject this budget, and I urge my colleagues across the aisle to reconsider."

The Republican budget will:

Add $1.5 trillion to the budget deficit
Cut over $5 trillion in critical programs, including SNAP, Pell Grants, and Community Development Block Grants, by 2027
Cut $1.1 trillion in Medicaid funding by 2027
Cut $487 billion in Medicare funding by 2027
Increase the Medicare age of eligibility to 67
Replace Medicare with a voucher system that provides less coverage
End coverage of essential benefits under Social Security's Disability Insurance
Cut $50 billion in veterans' benefits by 2027

Source