In a fiery speech on the House floor, Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) condemned the proposed Republican Reconciliation Bill, accusing GOP lawmakers of prioritizing the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
Brown’s remarks come as Republican leadership attempts to advance a sweeping legislative package aligned with President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, which includes $1.5 trillion in spending cuts and permanent extensions of the 2017 tax breaks.
“We want to take money from poor people and give it to rich people—make that make sense,” Brown said emphatically during her floor speech. “People depend on this money. Not to get rich, not to buy a yacht, but to eat.”
The proposed bill seeks to offset the cost of Trump’s tax cuts by slashing government spending, including cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs.
While it also includes temporary tax breaks on tips and overtime income, critics argue the overall plan redistributes resources away from low-income Americans who rely on federal support for basic needs.
“We’re talking about food, poor people, and hunger,” Brown continued. “Let that sink in.”
Brown emphasized the structural barriers that continue to entrench poverty and accused lawmakers of upholding “systemic, structural, and institutional” practices that punish the vulnerable instead of aiding them.
The bill, still being finalized by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), is facing opposition not only from Democrats but also from several Senate Republicans.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) called the legislation a “sad joke,” while Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) dismissed the spending cuts as “wimpy” and “anemic.” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has also rebuked the proposal, particularly the Medicaid restructuring efforts, arguing they would harm the low-income and elderly.
Despite efforts to rally support before the Memorial Day recess, Speaker Johnson faces criticism from both sides of the aisle.
Some conservatives argue the bill doesn’t go far enough, calling for $2 trillion in cuts or a return to pre-pandemic spending levels.
Rep. Brown’s speech has resonated widely on social media, where advocates are amplifying her call to center the needs of everyday Americans.
“I’ve never heard it stated so well, so succinctly
Thank you for your words, Congresswoman,” someone commented.
