Washington, D.C. – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference with Whip Clark, Ranking Member Boyle, Ranking Member Pallone and Ranking Member Craig after House Democrats filed a discharge petition on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act to protect the healthcare and nutritional assistance of hardworking Americans from devastating Republican cuts.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor and a privilege today to be joined by House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Frank Pallone, the once and future Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who of course is the leading champion in the House Democratic Caucus, in the Congress, for the healthcare of the American people. Certainly, Angie Craig, the top Democrat on the Ag Committee, who’s doing a tremendous job. And, of course, Brendan Boyle, the future Chair of the Budget Committee, who has been our point person on budget reconciliation. House Republicans are determined to jam a reckless and extreme budget down the throats that the American people that will enact the largest cut to Medicaid and the largest cut to SNAP in American history. Children, families, women, veterans, older Americans, people with disabilities and everyday Americans will be hurt. These proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP are unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American. Several so-called swing seat and moderate Republicans have indicated that they are opposed to these devastating proposed cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.

House Democrats earlier today, led by Brendan Boyle in terms of the discharge petition and Frank Pallone and Angie Craig as it relates to the underlying legislation Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP, have given Republicans an opportunity to actually not simply talk about defending the best interests of the American people, but be about it. The discharge petition is now live on the House Floor. All we need are four Republicans to do the right thing, stand up for Medicaid and stand up for SNAP so they can stand up for the American people and we can stop the devastating cuts that Republicans are proposing to the healthcare of the American people and cuts that would literally take food out of the mouths of children and families. Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP. I thank Frank Pallone, Angie Craig and Brendan Boyle for their leadership on this effort. All we need are four House Republicans to join Democrats, in protecting the healthcare and nutritional assistance of the American people.

Full press conference can be watched here.

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