Washington D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Committee on Appropriations, released the following statement on House Republicans’ temporary government funding bill that will hurt American families and businesses:
“Congress has a fundamental duty to keep our government funded. Yet, we also bear a solemn responsibility to ensure our government is funded appropriately.
Republicans control both chambers of Congress. But for the third time this fiscal year, they have offered an inadequate temporary budget, abandoning their constituents to appease President Trump.
Our budget reflects our values. I will not be complicit and vote for a government funding bill that does not reflect my values — or those of my constituents — and that does not prioritize our nation’s economic, physical, mental, and civic health.
I will not vote for a government funding bill that does nothing to address the Big Ugly Bill’s devastating cuts to healthcare and nutrition programs — Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, the Affordable Care Act — that are already harming families in my district and across the country.
I will not vote for a government funding bill that does nothing to bolster our economic health, lower the cost of everyday goods, or help businesses plan with certainty. Thanks to the President’s disastrous tariffs, our economy is petering toward crisis — with a lagging job market and rising inflation.
And I will not vote for a government funding bill that does nothing to make healthcare more affordable and accessible. As we celebrate National Recovery Month, I find it inhumane that the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have gutted Medicaid — which helps more than 60,000 Pennsylvanians with addiction, substance use disorder receive life-saving behavioral healthcare.
This bill does none of those things. It fails to do anything for our country’s greater good.
I voted ‘no.’ And I urge every Senator to see this immoral bill for what it is — and oppose it.
Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. It is their responsibility to govern and put forth a budget that lowers costs, supports Americans’ health and mental well-being, and protects our Constitution.”
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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