Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Denounces Senate Passage of “One Big Ugly Bill,” Vows to Oppose Harmful Cuts to Chicago Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-1) today issued the following statement in strong opposition to the Senate’s passage of the so-called “One Big Ugly Bill,” and pledged to vote against the legislation and do everything in his power to prevent it from becoming law:
“Today, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed the ‘One Big Ugly Bill,’ a sweeping measure that threatens the economic security, health, and dignity of working families in Chicago and across the nation. I want to make it absolutely clear: I will vote NO on this bill, and I will fight with every tool at my disposal to stop this reckless attack on our communities.
This legislation would slash $290 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), putting over 205,000 Illinoisans—including tens of thousands of my constituents in Chicago—at risk of losing the food assistance they rely on to feed their families. It would impose new work requirements on adults ages 55–64, a change that could force thousands of older Chicagoans—many of whom are already struggling to find work—off SNAP and into food insecurity. Local food pantries like Irving Park Community Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels Chicago are already stretched thin; these cuts would mean more of our neighbors going hungry, and more pressure on nonprofits that are already struggling to keep up with rising demand.
The bill also slashes nearly $700 billion from Medicaid, jeopardizing health coverage for more than 300,000 Illinois residents, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 10.9 million Americans would lose health insurance coverage under this bill, with low-income and working-class families bearing the brunt of these cuts.
Meanwhile, this bill delivers massive new tax breaks to the wealthiest households and corporations, while adding $2.8 trillion to the national debt. The increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap overwhelmingly benefits the top 5% of earners, while ordinary Chicagoans see their benefits slashed and their cost of living rise.
In Chicago, where nearly one in five households relies on SNAP and more than 40% of children are covered by Medicaid, the impact of this bill would be devastating. Families will face impossible choices between paying for food, medicine, and rent. Our city’s most vulnerable—children, seniors, people with disabilities—will be left to fend for themselves.
I urge my colleagues in the House to reject this cruel and shortsighted legislation. Chicagoans deserve better than a bill that takes from those with the least to give to those with the most. I will stand with our families, our seniors, and our children—and I will do everything in my power to ensure this bill never becomes law.”
Congressman Jackson is also seeking cosponsors for the following amendments to the “One Big Ugly Bill” to protect families from its most damaging provisions:
Amendment to strike Section 10102, which expands SNAP work requirements to seniors ages 55 to 65.
Amendment to strike Section 10107, which would eliminate funding for all SNAP-Ed (SNAP Education) programs.
“These amendments are essential to safeguard our seniors from punitive work requirements and to preserve vital nutrition education programs that help families make healthy choices,” said Jackson. “I call on my colleagues to join me in defending the basic dignity and well-being of our constituents.”
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