U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur released the following statement on March 14 upon Senate passage of H.R. 1968, the Continuing Appropriations Act, which will fund government operations through September 30: The legislation passed today cuts $1.4 billion from the Army Corps of Engineers, almost half of their funding, putting over 1,000 projects, including ones that keep our bridges, Great Lakes, harbors, ports and waterways safe. It slashes $20 million from emergency food assistance, leaving 25,000 seniors wondering where their next meal will come from. It forces the firing of thousands of Social Security Administration workers across our country, making it harder for seniors and disabled Ohioans to access the benefits they’ve worked hard for and earned throughout their lives. And for all their talk about “law and order,” this bill cuts nearly $600 million from local law enforcement. Less money for police means fewer officers on the streets and fewer resources to keep our communities safe.
I supported hard fought House efforts to pass legislation that will meet the true needs of our people—for decent, affordable medical care and pharmaceuticals, to maintain our enduring commitment to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and to fund health care and nursing home care for our veterans. Unfortunately, the one-sided bill that passed the House of Representatives by three votes earlier this week and passed the Senate this evening by eight votes is NOT such a bill.
All the critical accounts that support America's families to make ends meet are deeply shaved to make it easier to transfer billions of dollars to the top one percent and the billionaires in our nation. This legislation makes it easier for the Republican majority to give them massive tax cuts of over $330,000 dollars per year. This is plain wrong when hospitals and nursing homes across America will shut their doors as a result. Social Security will be weakened as necessary staff is cut in half, and millions of war veterans suffering from toxic exposure will be refused care for complex cancers.
We can and we must do so much more for those across our country calling out for help and a hand up, not a handout. I will continue to fight for all Ohioans and the American people, and call on those in Congress to grow a spine, and the courage to join me in the battles ahead.
