WASHINGTON, DC – Following passage of President Trump's so-called "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement:
"Today, my Republican colleagues narrowly passed the worst piece of legislation in modern history.
This bill, spearheaded by President Trump and supported by dozens of spineless congressional Republicans, enacts massive cuts to crucial programs like Medicaid and SNAP — all to funnel money to America’s billionaire class.
At a time when too many Americans struggle to afford basic goods, Republicans chose to appease their rich friends while the poorest among us pay.
I will not vote to strip healthcare away from 17 million Americans, including more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians. I will not support depriving 42 million Americans of food. I will not put 26,000 Pennsylvanians working in our energy industry out of a job.
All week, constituents have asked me, “who would vote for such a thing?”
The answer is clear: Congressional Republicans would vote for such a thing — save for a few — because they’d rather fight to be the President’s new favorite than fight for their own constituents.
They have lost their way — crying waste, fraud, and abuse while passing legislation that would explode the deficit by $4 trillion. I think of the words Pope Leo XIV lifted up earlier this year: Can they not see the suffering of others?
Budgets are moral documents — this is an immoral bill. I will continue to oppose any attempt to strip lifelines from Berks and Montgomery Counties.
Meanwhile, I pray Republicans find their way back to reality. I pray they find their spine and soul and soon — not for their sake or for mine, but for the good of families across our country."
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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