Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Demands Up-or-Down Vote To Protect Medicaid and Food Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) signed a discharge petition to force a House vote to protect Medicaid and food assistance from Republicans' devasting budget cuts.

"The reckless Republican budget has over $1 trillion in cuts to basic essential programs that millions of everyday Americans depend on," Rep. Meeks said. "Among the benefits on the chopping block are Medicaid and SNAP. Trump and his minions are willing to take health coverage and food assistance away from children, seniors and veterans. The people in my district and across the country want Republicans to keep their hands off their vital services. I implore my Republican colleagues to listen to their constituents and join Democrats in forcing an up-or-down vote on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act. We must keep these lifeline services intact."

In NY-05, the Republican budget puts 312,918 people at risk of losing Medicaid coverage and would impact 86,000 people who count on SNAP to put food on the table for their families.

A discharge petition allows lawmakers to bypass House leadership and bring a bill directly to the floor. If four House Republicans sign this discharge petition, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act would be considered in the House immediately.

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