Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has delivered a scathing critique of a new budget bill passed by House Republicans, calling it “cruel” and a direct attack on hardworking Americans. The legislation, which eliminates taxes on Social Security benefits, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), and overtime pay, has sparked a heated debate in Washington, with Pelosi leading the opposition.
Pelosi urged lawmakers to consider the real-world consequences of their votes, emphasizing the need to listen to their constituents. “Just listen to your constituents. Hear what they have to say about what it means to their fiscal well-being. Listen to your constituents—the numbers are staggering,” she said. She accused House Republicans of worsening the financial struggles of countless Americans, arguing that the bill would increase costs and cut essential benefits for vulnerable populations.
“By voting for this cruel bill, you are betraying hardworking Americans by raising costs for all those already struggling to make ends meet,” Pelosi added. She warned that the legislation would have a devastating impact on critical federal programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), threatening healthcare for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
“Indeed, a vote for this budget is a vote against Medicaid, ripping away healthcare from children, people with disabilities, and seniors. And it’s a vote against SNAP, as the distinguished chairman indicated, taking food out of the mouths of babies. And you do that with glee,” she declared.
Supporters of the bill argue that eliminating taxes on Social Security, TIPS, and overtime pay will provide relief to workers and retirees, potentially stimulating economic growth. However, critics like Pelosi argue that these benefits come at the expense of vital social programs that millions of Americans depend on.
Pelosi also highlighted the bill’s contradiction of previous promises made by the Biden administration to reduce inflation and lower the cost of living. “The President said he was going to reduce the cost of living—he didn’t. Reduce inflation—he didn’t,” she stated, underscoring the growing tension between the administration and congressional Republicans.
As the bill heads to the Senate, it faces strong opposition from Democrats, who have vowed to fight against its provisions. They argue that the legislation would disproportionately harm low-income and middle-class Americans, further widening the gap between the wealthy and the vulnerable. The debate over fiscal responsibility and social welfare programs is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both parties preparing for a major political showdown.
The passage of this budget bill highlights the deep partisan divide in Congress over economic policy, taxation, and social welfare. Whether it ultimately becomes law or faces a presidential veto remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this battle is far from over.
