Amo Lambasts Trump Trade War and Republican Budget Cuts That Are Raising Costs on Rhode Islanders

PROVIDENCE - Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) visited the West End Community Center in Providence to highlight how Trump's chaotic trade war and the Republican plan to gut food assistance programs is jacking up the cost of living in Rhode Island. During the visit, the Congressman toured the food pantry, early education programs, and community facility and met with staff. As the Center celebrates its 50^th year in operation, the staff have noted an increase in food assistance need from the approximately 100 local families it serves each day.

"Every day, the West End Community Center food pantry helps approximately 100 Rhode Island families put food on their table," said Congressman Amo. "Yet Trump and congressional Republicans are threatening this assistance by pursuing a chaotic trade war and budget cuts that are jacking up the cost of energy, groceries, and gas while stripping working Rhode Islanders of critical support that helps them afford food. The West End Community Center is a lifeline for families in Rhode Island, and I'll continue to fight to protect them from harmful cuts and unnecessary tariffs."

"I want to thank Congressman Amo for visiting our facility and volunteering with our staff," said Denise Greene, Executive Director of West End Community Center. "With so much uncertainty in the news, and with so many policies being pursued that raise the cost of living and threaten the wellbeing of the families in Rhode Island, it's reassuring to know that we have a prominent voice in Congress advocating for us."

"The West End Community Center is an anchor for the Providence community-providing vital food assistance, early education, and supportive services to hundreds of residents every week," said Alyssa McDermott, Director of Housing and Community Development, City of Providence. "Through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, the City proudly supports their work to fight food insecurity. At a time when national policies threaten to unravel the safety net so many depend on, our investment in local organizations like the West End Community Center is more important than ever."

BACKGROUND

On April 9, 2025, Congressman Amo spoke on the House floorto slam the Republican budget resolution and share the story of a Rhode Islander who would be hurt by Republican cuts.

On February 25, 2025, Congressman Amo took to the House Floor to slam the Republican budget resolution that threatens devastating cuts to critical programs. The day before, Congressman Amo submitted two amendments to the House Committee on Rulesto protect SNAP and affirm that Medicaid is a critical program for more than 306,000 Rhode Island residents. The Republican-controlled House Committee on Rules refused to consider Congressman Amo's amendments.

During the House Budget Committee markup on February 13, 2025, Congressman Amo offered two amendments to support protecting and extending Medicare's solvency as well as protect SNAP, the Community Eligibility Provision, the School Breakfast Program, and the National School Lunch Program.

The Republican budget resolution directs specific committees to achieve spending cuts or increases. Republicans leaked menu of options includes:

• At least $880 billion in cuts for the Energy and Commerce Committee, which could target Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium assistance, and repeal Inflation Reduction Act policies.
• At least $230 billion in cuts for the Agriculture Committee, which could target SNAP.
• Up to $4.5 trillion in new spending for the Ways and Means Committee, which could include tax cuts for the top one percent, repeal of Inflation Reduction Act policies, cuts to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Social Services Block Grant, cuts in Medicare payments to providers, and cuts to ACA premium assistance.