Published on July 01, 2025
Every American needs to be troubled by the big, awful bill that the U.S. Senate just approved because of what it will mean for them, their neighbors, and their communities. This bill takes away benefits from families in need to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and well-connected. It eliminates the funding needed to build a better future only to settle political scores and drag our country back to a bygone era. This bill will weaken the City of Pittsburgh, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America.
Moreover, while President Trump promised the American people that he would not touch Medicaid, the Senate is cutting it by 18%. This will mean families without health coverage and communities without anywhere to receive healthcare in urban and rural areas alike. And if that wasn’t cruel enough, they will cut SNAP benefits by 20%, forcing children to go hungry. This is not only unconscionable and immoral, but shortsighted. Investing in medical care, healthy food, and education for children today, means that they will be healthier and more productive members of society tomorrow. And these aren’t the only broken promises included in the bill that will turn off the light on our nation’s future.
Instead of continuing investments in clean energy and seeding the industries of tomorrow, this bill cedes America’s position as the world leader in innovation. It cancels programs and funding that promised a new era of American manufacturing for communities across the country that are in desperate need of family sustaining jobs. Jobs in industries that will now benefit other countries for generations. President Trump and his allies in Congress have failed to meet the moment.
We must work collectively to find sustainable solutions that protect essential programs while ensuring fiscal responsibility. While I remain hopeful that the House will not pass this bill, I ask that everyone in Pittsburgh join me in voicing opposition to these funding cuts.
~Mayor Ed Gainey
Olga George Press Secretary Office of the Mayor olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov 412-627-0679