REPUBLICANS' EMPTY PROMISES

On 2025-03-11, Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20) delivered a floor speech titled "REPUBLICANS' EMPTY PROMISES" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered Social Security, veterans affairs.

REPUBLICANS' EMPTY PROMISES

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [House] [Pages H1077-H1078] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REPUBLICANS' EMPTY PROMISES (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, Americans have actively watched the dismantling of Social Security and direct attacks on our seniors, our families, and also our veterans. I have heard directly from my constituents, and they are scared. They are worried about their next meal. They are worried if they will be able to see their doctors. They are worried if they will be able to retire with dignity. They are worried about the skyrocketing cost of living and the price of groceries. It is because they have heard so much about the cuts to Medicaid, the cuts to SNAP, and the cuts to the VA, all being proposed by the House Republicans. Let's take a closer look at what the House Republicans are proposing. House Republicans are proposing Medicaid cuts of $880 billion, SNAP cuts of $230 billion, Social Security cuts of $1.5 trillion, Medicare premiums raised by 22 percent, and 83,000 veteran employees being fired. Let's take a closer look at what they actually promised the American people. House Republicans have promised the American people to actually put forward bills that will make their life better. Let's take it to the board. Nothing, nada, nothing has been proposed to help them with their financial situation. To make a visual of it, nothing has been proposed for the American people. I dare my House Republicans to join House Democrats to put forth bills that will actually help the American people. The American people do not want $880 billion cut from their healthcare. The American people do not want $230 billion cut from SNAP and other assistance programs. They want to actually live the American Dream, and they want opportunities. Right now, House Republicans have offered nothing but a blank piece of paper. Why, you may ask? Elon Musk says the only way to save America is by jeopardizing our most vulnerable. It is by eliminating entitlement programs. In fact, Mr. Musk said that the biggest issue that he has and what he must do is eliminate these programs. What types of programs are we talking about? It is Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits. For the American people, this is ridiculous. These are our most vulnerable populations. We had promised our warriors and our heroes that we would be there for them and that we would provide their benefits for them. What are we doing? I dare House Republicans to join the Democrats and stand up for the American people and to stand with us as we fight for the American people. {time} 1100 I dare House Republicans to stand up for Social Security, to stand up for Medicaid, to stand up for our heroes. The time is now. Let's stop the madness and make sure that all Americans [[Page H1078]] have a real opportunity to live with dignity and pursue the American Dream. ____________________