May 24, 2025
Dear Friends,
When I first came to Congress, one of my most consequential votes was for the Affordable Care Act — legislation that brought health care to millions who had gone too long without it. I still look back on that vote with pride, because it represents what Congress should be about: helping everyday Americans, serving our communities, and standing up to powerful forces that seek to make us sicker, hungrier, and poorer. Sadly, those forces now include the Republican majority, the President of the United States, and the wealthiest individuals on the planet.
This week, I spent several sleepless nights in the halls of Congress as Republicans met in the dead of night to advance their disastrous budget scheme. As they rushed their so-called “big, beautiful bill” through committee rooms and onto the House floor, I stood up repeatedly to raise my voice against this plan — one that would force children to go hungry, strip health care from millions, and raise costs for working families — all to bankroll another round of tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. No amount of spin or backroom dealing can hide the fact that this bill represents the most extreme assault on health care, food assistance, and environmental protections in American history — and it’s our communities who will pay the price.
Among the many cruel cuts in the GOP’s budget, some of the worst target direct assistance for families who need it most. This bill would slash $300 billion from vital food programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — a move the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates will leave at least 3 million Americans without access to healthy, affordable food. But the damage doesn’t stop there. These cuts would ripple throughout our economy, costing American farmers roughly $30 billion in lost income, threatening over 27,000 retailers nationwide, and putting nearly 400,000 jobs — along with $20 billion in wages — at risk. This isn’t just bad policy — it’s shameful.
The Republican budget would also gut Medicaid, stripping coverage from nearly 14 million Americans and slashing critical services for millions more — particularly in mental and behavioral health care. Medicaid is the single largest payer for these services, including treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). But the GOP plan imposes onerous bureaucratic hurdles that will prevent millions struggling with SUD from accessing the care they need to start their road to recovery. That’s why I offered an amendment requiring states to halt these red tape requirements if they are proven to reduce access to treatment for low-income adults. While Republican leaders rejected this lifesaving proposal, I’ll never stop fighting to ensure those living with addiction can get the care they need — when they need it.
Republicans are also pushing policies that would raise energy bills for working families and reverse our progress in the fight against climate change. One provision in their budget repeals the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund — a program that mobilizes billions in private investments to support clean energy projects, lower consumer costs, and create good-paying jobs. Despite one recent analysis showing that these investments will save consumers $52 billion in energy costs over the next two decades, Republicans have chosen to dismantle the program as part of their ideological crusade against clean energy. This reckless move will drive up energy costs nationwide — which is why I proposed another amendment to stop the repeal of this program unless the Government Accountability Office (GAO) can certify that it won’t increase costs for consumers. Despite again having my amendment blocked, I remain committed to fighting for lower energy costs and a cleaner, greener future.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder — but after weeks of debate, I still don’t see what Republicans find “beautiful” about this deeply harmful budget. Perhaps they don’t see what’s beautiful either, since House Republicans passed it under cover of darkness, hoping no one would notice. They were wrong — and this fight is far from over. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will almost certainly be revised before returning to the House. When it does, I’ll continue using every tool at my disposal to fight back against this cruel budget and stand up for those who will suffer most from its passage.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates, announcements, and recommendations from governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- As the Trump administration continues to escalate its attacks on our LGBTQIA+ friends and neighbors, I remain committed to standing by our LGBTQIA+ community and upholding the safety and sense of belonging that every person deserves.
- That’s why, as Pride Month approaches, I’m joining with In Our Own Voices and the Pride Center of the Capital Region to host an LGBTQIA+ Resource and Empowerment Fair!
- The fair will be held on Saturday, May 31st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area, located at 21 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12210.
- This event will create a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and allies to access vital resources, learn about their rights, and connect with supportive organizations across New York’s 20th Congressional District.
- Together, we can ensure our Capital Region remains a safe haven for all individuals, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
- If you’re looking for more information about this event, or if you want to let us know you’ll be there, click HERE to learn more!
