Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson: “The Big Beautiful Bill is a Big Brutal Lie”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) issued a forceful response today to the passage of what Republicans have labeled the “Big Beautiful Bill,” calling it what it truly is: a big brutal lie. The legislation, passed after weeks of political hostage-taking, delivers sweeping cuts to essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP while handing out massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy.
“This is not a beautiful bill. It is a brutal betrayal of working families, seniors, and children,” said Congressman Jackson. “The MAGA Republican majority held this country hostage longer than any previous Congress, all to force through a backroom deal that punishes the poor and rewards the powerful.”
At the height of the debate, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a historic and deeply moving speech on the House floor. Congressman Jackson praised Jeffries for his clarity and conviction.
“Leader Jeffries gave voice to millions of Americans who are struggling to get by. His speech was not just a defense of programs like SNAP and Medicaid, it was a defense of human dignity. I thank him for his leadership in the face of cruelty.”
Congressman Jackson also commended the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), which fought to amend the bill to protect the most vulnerable. Although their amendments were ultimately blocked by the majority, the CBC stood firm in defense of justice, equity, and compassion.
“The CBC worked around the clock to demand changes that would protect our communities,” Jackson said. “They fought to make this bill less harmful. We may have lost this vote, but we will not lose the fight.”
The consequences of this bill will hit home for families across Illinois and especially in Chicago:
In the First Congressional District alone, more than 245,000 households risk losing SNAP benefits due to new eligibility restrictions and work requirements.
Statewide, over 1.1 million Illinoisans who rely on Medicaid face an uncertain future as federal funding is capped and block-granted.
Chicago could lose more than $380 million in federal support for housing, education, and public health over the next year.
Community clinics that serve our most vulnerable neighbors are expected to close or drastically cut back services.
“These numbers are not just data points. They are single mothers. They are elderly neighbors. They are children who will go to school hungry,” said Jackson. “This bill turns its back on the people who need help the most.”
Congressman Jackson is urging voters not to lose hope. Instead, he is calling on them to get organized and stay focused on the 2026 midterm elections.
“To the people of Chicago and across this nation, this is not the end. It is the beginning of the next phase of our fight,” he said. “We must elect leaders who are committed to compassion, fairness, and progress. We must take back the House and ensure that legislation like this never sees the light of day again.”
He closed with the words of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, a reminder that even in dark times, the fight for justice continues:
“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
“That dream belongs to every child in our district, every parent struggling to make ends meet, every elder who deserves to age with dignity,” Jackson said. “We will not stop until that dream is fully realized.”
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