A Long Fight for Fairness: Jeffries Takes on Trump's Big Bill
Early Morning Stand
In the early hours of a Thursday morning, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stood up for what he believes in. He started talking on the House floor at 5 a.m. and didn't stop for over six hours. His goal? To delay a vote on President Donald Trump's huge tax cut and spending bill.
A Passion for Detail
Jeffries had a lot to say. He brought binders full of information to the podium. He talked about how the bill could hurt Medicaid, the program that helps seniors and people with disabilities. He shared stories of people who might struggle because of the bill.
"People will suffer. Tens of thousands, year after year, because of this Republican plan."
He even called the House floor a "crime scene" because of the bill's impact on healthcare.
Backed by Data
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office agrees with Jeffries. They say the bill could cause 11.8 million Americans to lose their health insurance in the next decade. Jeffries is not happy about this. He's been fighting hard to protect Medicaid.
Republican Perspective
But Republicans see things differently. They say the changes are needed to fix waste and fraud in the system. The Trump administration even questions the budget office's analysis.
Beyond Healthcare
Jeffries didn't stop at healthcare. He also criticized parts of the bill that affect food assistance programs and immigration.
"Budgets are moral documents. This budget tears people down."
He called the bill "immoral" and urged everyone to vote against it. His words inspired his fellow Democrats, who stood and applauded him.