Jeffries Warns Trump’s Bill Threatens American Lives

Clear Facts

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that President Trump’s proposed bill could result in “tens of thousands” of American deaths due to changes in healthcare.
• The bill aims to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients and make significant investments in border security and ICE.
• Despite Democratic opposition, the Senate narrowly passed the legislation, and it received majority support in a House procedural vote.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has delivered a stark warning regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed legislation. During an extended speech, Jeffries cautioned that the bill could lead to the deaths of “tens of thousands” of Americans due to its impact on healthcare and Medicaid.

Beginning his speech at around 5 a.m., Jeffries utilized a procedural rule known as the “magic minute” to express his concerns about the spending package. He argued that the legislation would strip essential healthcare services from many, leaving them vulnerable.

“Because of this assault on healthcare in the United States of America, people will die,” Jeffries declared. “Tens of thousands, perhaps year after year after year, as a result of the Republican assault on the healthcare of the American people.”

The contentious bill seeks to implement work requirements for Medicaid recipients under 65 and limit state provider taxes. Despite these changes, the White House has consistently stated that the bill “protects and strengthens Medicaid,” aiming to bolster the economy.

Jeffries used his unlimited speaking time to criticize the bill’s tax cuts, the $100 billion allocated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border security, and the proposed changes to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. He described the budget as “an immoral document,” urging everyone to oppose it due to its perceived attacks on vulnerable groups.

“This reckless Republican budget is an immoral document,” Jeffries asserted. “And that is why I stand here on the floor of the House of Representatives with my colleagues in the House Democratic caucus to stand up and push back against it with everything we have.”

While Democrats are attempting to delay the vote, Republicans are determined to meet Trump’s July 4 deadline for the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Jeffries’ actions as “an utter waste of everyone’s time,” but remained confident in having the necessary votes.

“He may be trying to go for the record…. It’s an utter waste of everyone’s time,” Johnson remarked.

Interestingly, Jeffries’ speech appeared to sway some undecided Republicans. A GOP congressman reportedly texted, saying, “I was undecided on the bill but then I watched Hakeem Jeffries performance and now I’m a firm yes.”

The bill also plans to allocate $350 billion for border security, including $46 billion to complete the U.S.-Mexico border wall and hire an additional 10,000 ICE agents by 2029. Moreover, it aims to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017 and eliminate taxes on tips and overtime.

In a closely contested vote, the Senate passed the legislation with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The House also showed majority support in a procedural vote early Friday morning.

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