Dear Friend,

Just now, I voted NO on Republicans’ budget bill. I watched in disgust as Republicans cheered for the largest cut to health care and food assistance in American history.

This bill will rip health care away from an estimated 17 million Americans, including 535,849 in Illinois. These funding cuts will also have disastrous impacts on the health infrastructure so many rely on: 93 nursing homes in Illinois will be at risk of closure, rural health clinics and hospitals could be forced to shut their doors, and essential health services for seniors, people with disabilities, and children will be reduced or eliminated entirely.

In 2010, I spent three days reading the Affordable Care Act before voting for it, knowing it would cost me my reelection. I did it to provide health care to millions of Americans with preexisting conditions—and it was paid for by a tax increase on the wealthy, so it did not increase the national debt.

This week, Congressional Republicans gave us less than 24 hours' notice before they started voting to take health care away from millions—and provide new tax breaks for the wealthy—while adding over $3 trillion to our national debt.

Reading the Affordable Care Act in 2010

At a time when Trump’s economic policies are driving up the cost of everyday necessities, this bill also puts 42 million Americans at risk of losing their food assistance or seeing it reduced.

These cuts are being made to fund trillions in tax giveaways for the ultra-wealthy, while saddling our children and grandchildren with an extra $3.4 trillion in debt. That’s not fiscal responsibility—it's cruelty. 

This bill now heads to Trump’s desk, but the fight is far from over. Ultimately, the public’s voice will make the difference in holding Republicans accountable. Together, we will show that we refuse to stand by as millions are forced into hardship so billionaires can get another tax break.

As your representative, I will continue doing everything I can in Washington to fight back against this administration. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any of the numbers listed below. 

Sincerely,

Bill Foster
Member of Congress