AFL-CIO President Condemns House Budget Bill for Harmful Cuts

House Passes Controversial Budget, Sparking Nationwide Concerns

In a late-night session, the House of Representatives approved a budget reconciliation bill that has provoked significant controversy and concern. The timing of the vote appears to have been strategic, intending to avoid public scrutiny of the severe cuts that the bill entails. The approved budget presents a stark choice between supporting working families and providing substantial benefits to the wealthiest Americans and giant corporations.

Liz Shuler, the President of AFL-CIO, emphasized the potentially devastating effects of this legislation, stating that those who supported the bill effectively prioritized corporate and billionaire interests over everyday working families. Shuler remarked, "Every single member of Congress who voted for this bill chose to write the richest 10% a fat check on the backs of working-class families already struggling to pay their bills."

The budget is set to initiate significant cuts, notably affecting healthcare and employment. It could remove healthcare access for approximately 13.7 million workers and result in the elimination of nearly 500,000 healthcare jobs by 2026. This reduction could lead to the closing of hospitals and clinics, especially in underprivileged and rural areas, ultimately driving up healthcare costs nationwide.

Federal workers are also facing reductions in retirement benefits, which include fees and penalties for those exercising their rights. Additionally, major cuts in SNAP food assistance totaling $300 billion will severely impact about 42 million users, potentially eliminating more than 140,000 jobs in sectors like food processing, school cafeterias, and retail.

The bill includes measures that will undermine worker and consumer protections by halting the enforcement of state and local AI regulations for the next decade, a move viewed as a concession to Big Tech companies. Furthermore, cuts in funding for energy jobs could lead to a loss of quality jobs and an increase in energy costs during a time when many families are already financially strained.

As the budget moves to the Senate, Shuler and other advocates are gearing up for what is expected to be a challenging battle. Contact for more information: Onotse Omoyeni, 202-637-5018.