Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Statement on the Passage of the Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) voted against House Republicans’ ‘One Big Ugly Bill’ (H.R. 1).  The legislation includes drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), College Education, Grants and Loans, Veterans Benefits and other programs essential for Mississippians to enjoy a basic quality of life. 

Congressman Thompson releases the following statement:

“From the beginning of my public service, I’ve made one thing clear:  My vote will never hurt people who struggle to make ends meet through no fault of their own.  Additionally, as the richest country in the world, we should not penalize people who have not had the same benefits as others by passing legislation targeted at them.  Donald Trump makes no bones about his dislike for people who don’t travel in his circle.

“The Republican bill cuts Medicaid, slashes SNAP, and forces working families to pay more so the wealthy can get another tax break.  This bill takes food out of children’s mouths, strips health care from our seniors, and puts college further out of reach for young people just trying to get ahead.

“For my district, this means closed hospitals, nursing homes, families struggling to afford groceries, and educational opportunities deferred.  Republicans priorities are very simple: tax cuts for wealthy and nothing for the people who make this country work.

“The people of Mississippi, and this country deserve better.  I will keep fighting to stop the cruelty pushed by Trump and House Republicans, and I will continue working for a government that delivers for working folks.”

WHAT THIS BILL MEANS FOR MISSISSIPPI:

Food Assistance on the Chopping Block

In Mississippi’s Second Congressional District, 139,000 people are at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP benefits.  This bill includes the largest proposed cuts to food assistance in our nation’s history, putting countless families at risk of going hungry.

Health Care Coverage Slashed
The bill cuts more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.  Over 153,000 Mississippians would lose health care coverage, including seniors, people with disabilities, and working families.

Rural Hospitals in Danger
Across the country, 300 rural hospitals could be forced to close.  In Mississippi, 8 hospitals are at risk of shutting down, including 4 in the Second Congressional District.  These closures would leave many families without access to basic medical care.

Higher Education Out of Reach
The bill eliminates Grad PLUS loans and reduces Pell Grant support.  More than 50,000 students in Mississippi could lose their Pell Grants, including over 20,000 students in the Second District.  That means higher costs and fewer opportunities for those trying to earn a college degree.

Jobs Lost and Bills Raised
Mississippi could lose 22,000 manufacturing and energy jobs under this proposal.  On top of that, families would face an average increase of $540 per year on their energy bills.  Meanwhile, millionaires would receive an average of $80,000 each year in new tax breaks.