Pelosi Joins House Democrats in Demanding an Up-or-Down Vote to Protect Medicaid and Food Assistance

Washington, D.C. - Today, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi signed a discharge petition that would force an up-or-down vote in the House to protect Medicaid and food assistance from devastating budget cuts.

"It is shameful that House Republicans are moving forward with their plan to give tax breaks to their billionaire donors while making hardworking American families foot the bill by ripping away health care from millions and taking food away from children," Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. "Some House Republicans have said that they oppose these devastating cuts. If they are serious, they should join House Democrats in forcing an up-or-down vote on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act: legislation that would protect these vital basic needs initiatives."

In San Francisco, the Republican budget puts 162,583 people, including 33,336 children and 44,000 seniors at risk of losing Medicaid coverage. It also threatens 5.4 million Californians who rely on food assistance to help them make ends meet.

A discharge petition forces an up-or-down vote on pending legislation that Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to consider. If four House Republicans sign this discharge petition, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act will be considered in the House immediately.