Elite Robbery Masked as U.S. Tax Reform

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Gabe Vasquez pushes back against the Republican tax bill. "It's downright unfair to take food away from kids while giving tax breaks to billionaires," said the Democratic congressman from New Mexico in a recent House subcommittee meeting. Over 38 million Americans, many of whom struggle to secure daily nutrition, rely on food stamps through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). These program cuts reach $290 billion over the next decade if the new Republican tax law passes and President Trump signs off on it.

To paint a stark picture, an average daily SNAP benefit of six dollars per person barely covers half a pack of tortillas and a can of pinto beans. Gabe Vasquez drove the point home to his fellow Republicans, stating, "You won't last on six dollars a day, and neither should the kids in my district."

In his district, one out of every four families depend on these benefits. Additionally, grocery stores, especially those operating in poorer areas, could face bankrupty as SNAP benefits account for up to 80% of their sales. "Taking away $300 billion from working, hungry families isn't reform. It's just theft," stated Vasquez.

Vasquez couldn't sway the Republicans in the House. The bill, which also seeks to reduce Medicaid payments by almost $700 billion, was pushed through with a narrow margin, 215 to 214. It'll now head to the Senate for further discussion.

Medicaid offers health insurance to approximately 71 million Americans with low incomes. The Trump administration has unveiled a massive legislative package that the House has already approved. The Senate has yet to vote on it, with the draft calling for an increase in military spending by $150 billion and an additional $175 billion for enforcing immigration laws. The draft also proposes cutting state benefits, such as food aid, by several hundred billion dollars...

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Vasquez is up for re-election in Iowa in 2026, leaving us to ponder whether his bold words will harm him politically. The Republicans know just how unpopular the law is, as evidenced by delaying cuts until after the 2026 midterm election. Yet, the authors of the French Revolution's "Peace to the cottages! War to the palaces!" slogan would surely be disheartened as the palace dwellers, in the name of combating supposed waste and abuse, proceed to wage a war on the cottages.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that the law will result in 11 million Americans losing their health insurance by the year 2034, due to various means. However, the CBO's analysis underestimates the actual number as some may find alternative insurance through their employers or the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), albeit at higher rates.

Even the Republicans do not claim there are 11 million Medicaid cheats, instead anticipating that entitled individuals may still lose their benefits. Both food assistance and Medicaid will require a work obligation for people aged 19 to 64 who fail to work at least 80 hours a month, attend school, or participate in training. Parents of young children, pregnant women, and chronically ill people are exempt.

Research conducted during the implementation of similar work requirements in Arkansas in 2018 revealed that over 18,000 citizens lost their Medicaid coverage within just a few months, due to a lack of understanding the requirements, insufficient communication from state officials, or purposely complicated online reporting processes. The measure's proponents said it would inspire insured individuals to seek employment, resulting in them eventually opting for higher-paying private insurance. However, these claims were not substantiated in Arkansas.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that almost 8 million Medicaid recipients could lose their coverage due to work requirements alone. Besides hospitals potentially closing in rural areas, these cuts could lead to the closure of medical facilities, presenting additional hurdles to the Republican voting base.

"This is not a reform. This is simply theft."

Member of the US House of Representatives

The Democrats, who've been in the minority on all political levels since the fall election, are left to defend the already unpopular status quo they've presided over for 12 of the last 16 years. They've ignored their role in growing the state deficit due to increasing social security benefits for the Baby Boomer generation, and have overlooked the fact that more than 40 million Americans struggle to afford food. A Reuters report indicates that a quarter of SNAP recipients, including 4 million children, are at risk of losing their last source of food assistance if the Trump administration's proposed budget regulations pass. The impact on women and children may be particularly severe, as SNAP disproportionately benefits these groups.

The Republican tax bill continues to face opposition, with Democratic congressman Gabe Vasquez arguing that it's unfair to take away food assistance from struggling families while giving tax breaks to billionaires.
The SNAP program, which helps 38 million Americans secure daily nutrition, could see $290 billion in cuts if the tax bill passes.
An average daily SNAP benefit of six dollars per person barely covers half a pack of tortillas and a can of pinto beans.
In his district, one out of every four families depends on SNAP benefits.
Grocery stores in poorer areas could face bankruptcy due to a decrease in SNAP sales.
The tax bill, which also seeks to reduce Medicaid payments, was approved in the House but still needs Senate approval.
Medicaid health insurance covers approximately 71 million Americans with low incomes.
The Trump administration's legislative package includes increased military spending and stricter immigration enforcement, as well as cuts to state benefits.
The tax cut plans of US President Donald Trump will lead to billions of dollars in new debt.
Sarah Yolanda Koss is investigating organized crime.
Elon Musk should not be hailed as a left-wing hero after his criticism of Donald Trump's tax law.
Vasquez, up for re-election in Iowa in 2026, may face political harm due to his stance against the tax bill.
The Republicans are delaying cuts to the SNAP program until after the 2026 midterm election.
The French Revolution's slogan "Peace to the cottages! War to the palaces!" would be disheartened by the ongoing political climate.
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that the tax bill will result in 11 million Americans losing their health insurance.
Some may find alternative insurance through their employers or the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), but at higher rates.
The Democrats are left defending the status quo they've presided over for 12 of the last 16 years.
Research conducted in Arkansas in 2018 showed that over 18,000 citizens lost their Medicaid coverage due to a lack of understanding the requirements, insufficient communication, or complicated reporting processes.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that almost 8 million Medicaid recipients could lose their coverage due to work requirements alone.
These cuts could lead to the closure of medical facilities, presenting additional hurdles to the Republican voting base.