Tampa Democrats Take Aim at Republican Budget Bill

TAMPA — Local Democratic leaders are speaking out forcefully against a Congressional Republican budget proposal they say would devastate health care access in Florida while delivering tax breaks to the wealthy.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor condemned the plan, emphasizing its impact on military families. “Our service members and their families deserve affordable, accessible and high-quality health care,” said Castor. “So why are House Republicans selling out critical services for our selfless veterans for billionaire tax breaks? It is un-American and disappointing.”

Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell criticized the bill as a massive blow to Medicaid, warning it would slash $800 billion from the program and threaten coverage for 1 in 6 Floridians, including millions of children. “These cuts would leave hospitals underfunded, communities underserved, and families in crisis,” Driskell said. “Your county will be required to foot the bill for indigent care so billionaires get a tax break.”

Driskell suggested the “Big Beautiful Bill,” is anything but beautiful for working families and vulnerable residents. The bill remains under debate in the House and Senate, but Republicans have struggled to get the bill across the finish line. "I know a lot of us are hearing from people back home about Medicaid," said Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell, "but they'll get over it."