Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Statement on Republicans Jamming Their GOP Tax Scam Through the House
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) voted against House Republicans' Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1). The legislation includes drastic cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other basic benefits, to pay for tax cuts for the rich and wealthy. Congressman Thompson releases the following statement: “Since my first day in Congress, I have been clear that I will never vote for any cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, or any programs that benefit my constituents. Today, I proudly voted against House Republicans' “Big Ugly Bill.” “This horrific bill is one of the most shameful pieces of legislation I have ever seen in over 32 years of serving in Congress. Mississippians will suffer. The bill would take health care away from nearly 14 million people due to its harmful cuts to health care and nutrition assistance, which will cause tens of thousands of Mississippians to lose their benefits if this bill passes through the Senate and becomes law. “It is disgraceful what Republicans have done today. Instead of helping people, they are making it harder for everyday people to make ends meet. They have continuously shown that they do not care about the poor and underserved. I can only hope that today, the American people realized the hidden cruelty and deception woven into the bill by Republicans.” SNAP CUTS According to the USDA, 54,481 households in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi participate in SNAP. African Americans have the highest rate (13,838 households or 25.4%) of SNAP participation in the District. HEALTH CARE CUTS According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, nearly 14 million Americans will lose health care coverage due to this bill. These cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act will cause more than 664,000 Mississippi residents to lose health care coverage. This includes 35,337 residents in the Second Congressional District. |