Congresswoman Simon Votes Against Republican Budget Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) released the below statement after voting against the Republican budget reconciliation bill.  

“A budget is a choice. It’s a reflection of a nation’s priorities. And this Republican budget bill shows clearly that the other side of the aisle is focused on the wealthiest few– not on the American families who are just trying to get by, put food on the table, pay their monthly bills, and get the care they need when they need it. 

“I have been clear since the beginning that this bill is not inevitable, that Republicans have a choice between governance for the people OR cruelty. But it is undeniable that the policies in the bill will hurt communities in my district– which is why I worked to tell our stories, introduce amendments to the bill, and vote against this atrocity every step of the way. 

“The realities of this legislation, which now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law, are terrifying. Forty thousand in California’s 12th District alone are estimated to lose access to their health care coverage. On average, people in our district covered under the Affordable Care Act will see a $2,320 increase in their premiums. Cuts to SNAP put an estimated 16,000 people in our district at risk of losing some or ALL access to critical food assistance. My goodness, how can Republicans claim that this bill will make our lives better?

“The deep, profound consequences that this bill will have on Americans are dizzying and overwhelming. I feel your anger and fear. I lie awake at night with the same anger and fear about the nation and planet that my daughters and grandchild will inherit. But I also feel deeply that we cannot get weary. 

“We will wake up tomorrow and fight another day, and many more days after that – until we create a society and government that we can actually be proud of. I promise you I will work day in and day out to find new ways to fight back and support our communities –especially communities of color, the disability community, and our children and elders who will be hit hardest by this legislation. That is what you sent me to Congress to do, and that is the clear-eyed goal I have for the coming months.”

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