A fast-tracked budget bill would gut healthcare and food aid for millions—putting mothers, children and seniors in immediate danger.

A sweeping budget bill moving quickly through Congress would enact historic cuts to Medicaid and SNAP—two of the nation’s most vital social safety net programs.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has set May 26 as the deadline to pass the budget reconciliation bill, a measure being advanced under rules that prevent a Senate filibuster and allow passage without bipartisan support. The bill is being framed as “all or nothing” legislation by Republican leadership—a vehicle designed to pass the entire Trump agenda without needing Democratic votes.

Behind closed doors, the proposed budget includes major reductions to Medicaid and food assistance programs, changes that would disproportionately impact women, children, seniors and low-income families.

The changes are being presented by proponents as necessary for fiscal responsibility. But policy experts and advocates warn that the real consequences would be severe: Millions could lose access to healthcare, and many families could face increased food insecurity.

And their goal is tax cuts: $2 trillion in even more gifts for the super-wealthy and corporations. In exchange, they will rip the roof off the house and let the rain pour in on the rest of us—slashing funds for our mothers, grandmothers and aunts in nursing homes; our children at the kitchen table, waiting for dinner or for their school lunch; women’s bodies—pregnant, aging, ailing—needing medical care.

Here is what they won’t say out loud.

What’s at Risk: Medicaid

Medicaid is not a luxury—it’s the backbone of health care for nearly 87 million Americans, especially women and children.

• Pregnant women: Medicaid covers nearly half of all births in the U.S. It provides prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum support. Without it, maternal health outcomes could worsen.
• Children: Over 40 million children rely on Medicaid for vaccines, asthma treatment, dental care and more.
• Women: Preventive care such as mammograms and cancer screenings are covered. For many working women, Medicaid is their only coverage.
• Older women: Nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid—most are women. Without it, care would become unaffordable, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $8,200 per month, depending on the state.

What’s at Risk: SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to more than 42 million people—primarily women and their children.

It funds school breakfasts, groceries, and emergency food aid. Proposed changes would impose new work requirements and funding cuts that could reduce or eliminate assistance for many families.

What You Can Do

Constituents across the country are being urged to contact their U.S. representatives immediately. The bill is moving fast, and advocates say this is a critical window to influence the outcome before the House vote.

How to Call Your Representative

1. Visit house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
2. Enter your ZIP code.
3. Click the email icon under your Representative’s photo
4. Locate the local office phone number.
5. Call today.

Suggested Script

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent.
I’m calling to urge Representative [Last Name] to vote NO on the proposed budget reconciliation bill.
This bill would gut Medicaid and SNAP—programs that protect women, children, and seniors in our community.
I will not forget a vote that takes food off tables and healthcare away from those who need it most.
My neighbors and I are watching, and we are organizing.”

Time is short. With a May 26 House deadline, every day counts.

Women, children, seniors and working families across the country depend on these programs to survive and thrive. Constituents have the power to help stop these cuts by raising their voices—starting now.