Democrat,

At Donald Trump’s request, House Republicans are pushing a budget that slashes Medicaid and food assistance, continuing their attack on working families. These cuts would result in millions losing access to critical programs, all while Trump’s billionaire backers are prioritized. The GOP needs to realize that drastically cutting these programs will have serious consequences for everyday Americans. And guess what? Reps. Tom Kean Jr. and Jeff Van Drew called this a “strong” and “reasonable” bill.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, Republicans’ proposed cuts will gut health care spending by $715 billion over the next decade and leave nearly 14 million Americans without insurance. What does that mean for you? It means hospitals will close, seniors will lose access to critical care, and premiums will skyrocket. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—this is betrayal.

In this week’s newsletter, we cover the latest developments with the mark-up of the GOP budget, a breakdown of the Religious Liberty Commission and its ties to Project 2025, and debunk Trump’s claim that his luxury jet from Qatar is no big deal.

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.    

Executive (Dis) Order of the Week

In one of his latest Executive Orders, Trump created the Religious Liberty Commission, following through on the promises made in Project 2025 to advance Christian nationalism. He claims this commission will prioritize “religious freedoms” but in reality its only purpose is to erode the separation between church and state, “embedding more Christian fundamentalism in the government” as University of Pennsylvania professor Andrew Thompson puts it. This EO undermines key pillars of our democracy and leaves the door open to discrimination against non-Christian Americans.

Your Weekly Debunk

Claim:
Trump says it’s no big deal that he’s getting a luxury jet from Qatar.

The Truth:
This is blatant corruption. Trump is taking lavish gifts from foreign governments, showing he’s bought by the highest bidder. Even some of his most MAGA followers, like Ben Shapiro and Laura Loomer, call this “influence peddling.” 

Impact on New Jersey: 

As costs rise and food assistance is slashed, Trump is living luxuriously—his priorities are with the ultra-wealthy, not working families, all the while corruption flourishes unchecked in his administration.

How New Jersey is Fighting Back

Despite Republicans’ ongoing attacks on working families, our Democratic Members of Congress continue to fight for Medicaid and working families, taking a stand against harmful budget cuts and confronting dangerous actions head-on.

NJ Globe: Pallone says GOP’s new Medicaid plan would be ‘catastrophic’

Rep. Frank Pallone, top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, is leading the charge to stop the GOP’s proposed budget cuts, calling them “catastrophic” for health care, and warning that millions of Americans would lose access to health coverage, hospitals would close, and premiums would rise.

NJ.com: I’m a doctor and a Congressman: Trump’s assault on Medicaid is sickening, immoral

Congressman Conaway is utilizing his critical voice as a doctor, sounding the alarm on the reality of Trump’s budget cuts to Medicaid. In his new op-ed, he highlights the program’s cost-effectiveness and vital role in supporting low-income, elderly, and disabled Americans while improving health outcomes.

The Guardian: Trump officials ‘created confrontation’ that led to arrest of Newark mayor

Many New Jerseyans have been horrified in the wake of increased ICE raids throughout our country and unconstitutional deportations without due process. When our leaders came, peacefully, to demand answers and provide oversight on the activity happening at the newly opened Delaney Hall ICE center in Newark, they were met with violence and arrest. Our brave Democratic leaders’ showed resilience and strength as they fought for our constitution and country in the face of fascist overreach.  

Your Invite to Get Involved

With only 25 days until the primary, now is the time to take action. Let’s show up, get loud, and make our voices heard.

Upcoming Events:

Our Phone/Text Bank Series – 2x a week 

Behind the Rhetoric: Debunking RFK Jr. – May 20th, 7:00 – 8:30PM

LGBTQ+ & the Military Under Trump: Unpacking the Executive Orders – May 22nd, 6:00 – 7:30PM  

How Executive Orders Impact You: A Conversation with Representatives Rob Menendez & Nellie Pou- May 27th, 7:00 – 8:30PM