FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán Brings Guest from New Jersey Republican Congressman’s District to Demand Republicans Vote Against Cuts to Medicaid
Washington D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) brought a guest from Republican Congressman Tom Kean’s (R-NJ-07) district to speak out against the cruel Republican cuts to Medicaid in the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee’s mark-up on their portion of the partisan reconciliation bill. In her opening remarks, Congresswoman Barragán shared the story of Sasha, a young constituent from Rep. Kean’s district, who was born with cerebral palsy. Since birth, Sasha has experienced grand mal seizures and is a survivor of a perinatal stroke. Medicaid has helped Sasha access the care and support services she needs to survive — and thrive as a college student and Special Olympics athlete. Congresswoman Barragán shared Sasha’s story with Rep. Kean and asked him to oppose the Republicans’ proposed reconciliation bill that has at least $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid and health care. Rep. Kean, who also sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, has over 70,000 constituents in his district who currently rely on Medicaid, like Sasha.
During today’s E&C mark-up session, House Democrats will offer amendments to the House Republicans’ budget to protect Medicaid and highlight the harm of the Republican cuts. If Republicans refuse to support these amendments, their cuts to Medicaid and healthcare of at least $715 billion— the largest proposed cut to Medicaid in U.S. history — would kick at least 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance.
“House Republicans have the opportunity to make things right — so that the millions of Americans like Sasha who depend on Medicaid can continue to have access to the basic right of healthcare,” said Rep. Barragán. “Sasha, and the millions of Americans who see Medicaid as a lifeline, are real human beings whose lives will be devastated by these cuts, not just numbers on a page. House Democrats are committed to doing what House Republicans seem too afraid to do — listening to the stories of their constituents and amplifying them so that we can defeat these dangerous Medicaid cuts.”
“Thanks to Medicaid, I have been able to live an active and full life, going to college and even competing as a Special Olympics athlete. I’m speaking out because no one should have to fight this hard just to get the care they need to live. I ask that our Members of Congress remember that Medicaid provides essential support for millions of Americans across the country, and to please stand against any cuts to the program,” said Sasha, guest and constituent from Rep. Kean’s district.
To see Sasha’s original story submission, see here.
To tune into the livestream of the mark-up, click here.
###