
This week President Trump gave his first joint session of his 2nd term to Congress. What we saw was not a speech by a Commander in Chief providing a roadmap in service to all Americans, but instead the dangerous, confusing, and self-interested ramblings of an unfit leader at a time when he is breaking our global alliances, crashing our economy, and dismantling our social safety net.
There’s a lot we could talk about after that disturbing speech, but today I want to focus on the implications for one of our social safety net’s most critical programs: Medicaid.
My guest at the address was a mother whose son’s life was saved by surgery made available through Medicare. We first learned about their story when the family reached out to our office. Because of Medicare, her son has returned to living a life full of possibilities. I see this part of my job, constituent services, as one of the most important aspects of my work as a Congresswoman, and I’m committed to making sure courageous families like my SOTU guests always have access to the life-saving resources available to them.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump and GOP House leadership don’t feel the same way. The House GOP’s budget all but ensures that hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts will soon gut Medicaid, our country’s most critical healthcare program for seniors, children, low-income families, and those with disabilities.
154,000 people in my district rely on Medicaid coverage… and 32% of them are children. This is not a game. 154,000 of my constituents’ lives hang in the balance as the GOP threatens lifesaving programs in order to give tax cuts to the wealthiest 1%.
And make no mistake that is exactly what they’re doing, with Donald Trump’s blessing and Elon Musk’s help. Shame on my GOP colleagues. Yesterday, I held a town hall to listen to my constituents on their growing fear over what is happening in Washington. It was heartwrenching to hear their stories and feel their grief and worry, and I am so grateful for their courage in showing up and sharing.
My team and I know how important it is to collect these stories as we work to transform the growing outcry into an uprising by voters even this craven GOP can’t ignore. And we know not everyone could be at the town hall with us — so we wanted to bring the opportunity to share your story about Medicaid here.
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH TEAM DEAN
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I will continue working tirelessly to stop this. Thank you for being here and sharing your stories.
— Madeleine
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