Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) unleashed a blistering critique of her Republican colleagues on July 1, 2025, during a House Rules Committee hearing, accusing them of betraying their constituents by voting for President Donald Trump’s divisive 2026 budget legislation. With the bill now headed back to the House after a razor-thin Senate vote, Crockett’s fiery remarks have amplified concerns about its impact on low-income Americans, spotlighting a growing divide over the nation’s fiscal priorities.
A Scorching Rebuke at the Capitol
Crockett didn’t mince words as she addressed GOP lawmakers who supported the budget. “I’m struggling to figure out what y’all are going to tell your constituents when you head home,” she declared. “Some of you showed up to vote, but let’s be real—you’ve sold out the people you represent for the sake of 83 ultra-wealthy folks in this country.” Her pointed reference to “83 people” underscores the bill’s generous tax breaks for the richest Americans, which critics argue come at the expense of working families.
The budget cleared the Senate on Tuesday in a dramatic 50-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote to secure its passage. The legislation, amended by senators, now returns to the House for a final vote to reconcile changes, setting the stage for a heated showdown as opposition mounts.
A Budget with Dire Consequences
The 2026 budget has sparked alarm among policy experts and advocates due to provisions that could severely impact low-income households. According to a recent analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill could strip health insurance from nearly 12 million Americans. Key measures include:
Medicaid Work Mandates: Recipients must work at least 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility, a requirement critics say will disproportionately harm vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities or caregiving duties.
Food Assistance Restrictions: The bill imposes strict limits on federal programs like SNAP, potentially leaving millions without adequate nutrition.
Public Benefits Rollbacks: Other safety net programs face significant cuts, raising fears of increased poverty and hardship.
Crockett highlighted the human toll of these policies, questioning how Republicans could justify a budget that she says leaves families struggling. “How do you explain running up the national credit card with nothing to show for it except empty tables and no healthcare?” she asked, emphasizing the bill’s failure to deliver meaningful relief while ballooning the federal deficit.
Public Backlash and Political Stakes
Public opinion is turning against the budget, with polls reflecting widespread disapproval. A Quinnipiac Poll from late June 2025 found that 55% of Americans oppose the legislation, up 6% from a Pew Research poll earlier that month. Critics point to the bill’s lopsided tax structure, which offers temporary relief for tipped workers and Social Security recipients—set to expire after the 2028 presidential election—while locking in permanent tax cuts for corporations and high earners. The Medicaid cuts, delayed until after the 2026 midterms, have fueled accusations of political maneuvering to dodge electoral consequences.
On platforms like X, the budget has ignited fierce debate. “This bill is a giveaway to the rich while families lose healthcare and food aid,” one user posted. Another countered, “Tax cuts drive growth, and work requirements promote independence.” These polarized reactions underscore the budget’s divisive impact as the nation grapples with its implications.
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The Path Forward
As the House prepares for its final vote, GOP lawmakers face mounting pressure to defend their support amid growing criticism. The Senate’s narrow passage highlights the fragility of Republican unity, with moderates and newly elected senators under scrutiny for backing a bill that could alienate voters. Democrats, led by figures like Crockett, are seizing the opportunity to frame the budget as a betrayal of American values, rallying opposition ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The CBO’s warning of 12 million uninsured Americans has become a focal point for critics, who argue that the bill exacerbates inequality and undermines the social safety net. Supporters, however, claim it fosters economic growth by reducing taxes and encouraging self-reliance through work requirements.
Crockett’s impassioned call for accountability resonates with Americans concerned about the budget’s impact on healthcare, nutrition, and economic stability. As the House vote looms, her challenge to GOP colleagues—“What will you tell your constituents?”—sets the tone for a high-stakes battle that could shape the nation’s future and influence the political landscape for years to come.
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