Emotional Response to Proposed Bill
Democrat Colorado Representative Brittany Petterson became visibly emotional on Thursday. She shared her struggle to keep tears at bay as Congress was set to vote on a bill that she described as detrimental to hospitals and healthcare across the United States.
“We’re back here. I’m not asleep on my red-eye flight. We’re being forced to vote on this disastrous budget proposal, which will add financial strain to the rest of us,” Petterson expressed with palpable emotion. She noted that rural hospitals and families across the nation are facing uncompensated care. “It’s hard not to cry at how damaging this bill really is,” she said.
Just returned to DC after flying overnight as Donald Trump pushes this damaging budget proposal. It’s tough to contain tears when discussing the consequences for families and communities throughout the country.
– US Congressman Brittany Pettersen (@repplettersen) July 2, 2025
This proposed law seeks to allocate $100 billion for immigration and customs enforcement (ICE), along with border security, while making adjustments to Medicaid and eliminating tips and overtime taxes. The Senate passed the bill with a 51-50 vote on Tuesday, with Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick being the sole Republican to oppose it during procedural voting in the House on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Republican Kentucky Representative Thomas Massey switched his vote to “yes” during the procedural phase. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a poignant five-hour speech on the House floor, utilizing procedural rules referred to as “magic minutes,” voicing his concerns regarding Trump’s legislation.
