WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Ranking Members Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Richard Neal (MA-1), Angie Craig (MN-2), and Brendan Boyle (PA-2) to highlight the devastating impacts of Republicans' Big, Ugly Bill ahead of its consideration on the House Floor. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
"This week, we will celebrate our nation's independence. We will celebrate our freedom. The fact that we are not ruled by a king, but that the power belongs to the people. We will celebrate the fundamental promise of the American Dream: The idea that, if we work hard, we can provide for our families. We can have a life of dignity. A fair shot.
"So, it's especially shocking that the Republicans are rushing to sign this cruel bill by the 4th of July. The largest cut to health care in our history. The largest transfer of wealth from working families to the billionaire class. A bill that makes Americans sicker and poorer. A bill that takes food from the hungry. There is no freedom in this bill.
"Unimaginably, this bill is worse than when it left the House. It cuts Medicaid by $1 trillion. It kicks 17 million Americans off of their health care. It threatens hundreds of hospitals with closure, along with a quarter of all nursing homes. It hikes the cost of electricity. It hands a 3% pay cut to hardworking people of this country — and hands their children $5 trillion in debt.
"Does that sound like freedom to you? Or, does that sound like a government of, by, and for the rich?
"So, who would vote for this bill? Why would David Valadao vote for this bill? Over 65,000 people in his district will lose access to health care if this passes. 60,000 households will lose access to their food assistance. And over 3,600 energy jobs will be lost — just in CA-22.
"But why would Young Kim in CA-40 vote for this bill either? Over 31,000 people in her communities will lose their health care. And 15,000 households could lose access to food assistance.
"Why indeed? But we've been told exactly where we stand. The Vice President said these cuts are 'immaterial.' Mitch McConnell says people will 'get over it.' Joni Ernst reminded us 'we're all going to die' anyway.
"So, at a time when most households are struggling to afford the basics, Republicans have a clear message for American families: You don't matter.
"The people that power America — our nurses, our first responders, our small business owners, our veterans — under this bill, the Republican Party views you as expendable. And that opportunity is reserved for the elite.
"Freedom isn't something abstract. It's something you do. It's something you empower people to do. You cannot shackle opportunity for the American people — you cannot restrain their ability to be free — and then drape yourself in the American flag on Independence Day.
"So, this 4th of July, House Democrats are going to stand in unity with millions of people across this country.
"We are going to do what Americans have done for 250 proud years. We are going to defend our freedom. We will defeat its enemies. And we will put the power with the people."
"This week, we will celebrate our nation's independence. We will celebrate our freedom. The fact that we are not ruled by a king, but that the power belongs to the people. We will celebrate the fundamental promise of the American Dream: The idea that, if we work hard, we can provide for our families. We can have a life of dignity. A fair shot.
"So, it's especially shocking that the Republicans are rushing to sign this cruel bill by the 4th of July. The largest cut to health care in our history. The largest transfer of wealth from working families to the billionaire class. A bill that makes Americans sicker and poorer. A bill that takes food from the hungry. There is no freedom in this bill.
"Unimaginably, this bill is worse than when it left the House. It cuts Medicaid by $1 trillion. It kicks 17 million Americans off of their health care. It threatens hundreds of hospitals with closure, along with a quarter of all nursing homes. It hikes the cost of electricity. It hands a 3% pay cut to hardworking people of this country — and hands their children $5 trillion in debt.
"Does that sound like freedom to you? Or, does that sound like a government of, by, and for the rich?
"So, who would vote for this bill? Why would David Valadao vote for this bill? Over 65,000 people in his district will lose access to health care if this passes. 60,000 households will lose access to their food assistance. And over 3,600 energy jobs will be lost — just in CA-22.
"But why would Young Kim in CA-40 vote for this bill either? Over 31,000 people in her communities will lose their health care. And 15,000 households could lose access to food assistance.
"Why indeed? But we've been told exactly where we stand. The Vice President said these cuts are 'immaterial.' Mitch McConnell says people will 'get over it.' Joni Ernst reminded us 'we're all going to die' anyway.
"So, at a time when most households are struggling to afford the basics, Republicans have a clear message for American families: You don't matter.
"The people that power America — our nurses, our first responders, our small business owners, our veterans — under this bill, the Republican Party views you as expendable. And that opportunity is reserved for the elite.
"Freedom isn't something abstract. It's something you do. It's something you empower people to do. You cannot shackle opportunity for the American people — you cannot restrain their ability to be free — and then drape yourself in the American flag on Independence Day.
"So, this 4th of July, House Democrats are going to stand in unity with millions of people across this country.
"We are going to do what Americans have done for 250 proud years. We are going to defend our freedom. We will defeat its enemies. And we will put the power with the people."
| To watch the full press conference, click HERE.
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