TRANSCRIPT: Davids Condemns Reckless Republican Budget: “It’s Cruel, Not Strategic”

During a U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mark Up today, Representative Sharice Davids spoke out against President Trump and House Republicans’ extreme budget proposal, which would slash Medicaid and take food off Kansans’ tables — all to fund tax breaks for billionaires. While reaffirming her commitment to bipartisanship, Davids noted the proposal comes as families are still struggling with higher costs caused by Trump’s reckless tariffs.

Watch Davids’ full speech here.

“In recent months, we’ve all seen the chaos, and simply put, we’re exhausted. This is not how the federal government should work. That dysfunction isn’t just noise — it’s hitting people where it hurts.

“Prices at the grocery store and gas pump are climbing. Families are watching their hard-earned retirement savings disappear. And while Kansans are working hard to stay afloat, President Trump and his allies are pushing massive tax giveaways for billionaires instead of offering real help to the folks who need it most.

“So, let’s level set on what we’ve seen in just the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term:

“He’s fired dedicated federal employees who keep our government running. He’s instituted reckless tariffs that could raise household costs by $3,800 a year. He’s worked to limit access to essential reproductive health care like birth control. He’s trying to cut Medicaid for 61,000 people in Kansas alone. And he’s openly defying court orders — putting the foundation of our democracy at risk.

“I’ve always said I’ll work with anyone — Republican or Democrat — when it’s good for Kansans. And while it may seem difficult right now, I know there is still room for common ground. But this partisan budget plan that we’re talking about today? It’s not just reckless. It’s cruel.

“It’s a direct attack on the people we’re here to serve. It’s a direct attack on the people we’re here to serve. 

“It would cut Medicaid for tens of millions of Americans. It would rip food away from children, seniors, and veterans. It guts programs that meet basic needs — just to hand over even more tax breaks to billionaires.

“Republicans keep saying they won’t cut Medicaid — what we call KanCare back home. But listen to what Emily, a mom from Prairie Village, Kansas, recently wrote in the Kansas City Star:

“She said, and I quote, ‘The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that their budget proposal can’t be achieved without slashing Medicaid and Medicare benefits.’ End quote. She went on to call it heartbreaking and terrifying. And she’s right.

“Just last week, Congressman Cleaver and I hosted a town hall with folks from across the Kansas City area. What we heard, over and over, was that people are tired of the chaos. They’re tired of policies that make their lives harder while the ultra-wealthy get more handouts.

“Look, we can improve government efficiency. We can reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. But what we shouldn’t do is rush through chaotic policies that will raise costs for hardworking Kansans.

“What we’ve seen from the administration and in this budget is not strategic. It’s reckless. And I’m focused on bringing back stability.

“I urge my Republican colleagues to join me in listening to folks back home. Listen to families like Emily’s. Let’s work together to protect their health care, their bank accounts, their retirement savings, and their futures.”