House Minority Leader Warns of Health Risks from Trump’s Spending Bill

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed serious concerns on Thursday, claiming that President Donald Trump’s proposed “big and beautiful bill” could lead to the deaths of “tens of thousands” of Americans.

Beginning his speeches around 5 a.m., Jeffries utilized a procedural tactic known as “magic minutes” to voice his objections to the spending package. He argued that the bill would significantly reduce health care access and Medicaid, with potentially fatal consequences for many. “This attack on health care in the United States will kill people,” he stated. “As a result of the Republican assault on health care, tens of thousands may die each year. I’m saddened—it’s shocking that I’m here on the floor of my House saying this feels like a crime scene! House Democrats are firmly against it.”

The legislation aims to modify Medicaid by putting work requirements on healthy adults under 65 and capping state provider taxes; however, the White House has insisted that there will be no cuts to the program. According to a recent factsheet from the White House, the spending plan is meant to “protect and strengthen Medicaid” and stimulate economic growth.

Jeffries’ extended use of “Magic Minutes” allowed him to elaborate on his challenges to Trump’s proposal, highlighting the bill’s tax cuts, its $100 billion funding boost to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and adjustments to food aid programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“This reckless Republican budget is an immoral document,” he declared. He emphasized that everyone should vote against the bill due to its detrimental effects on children, the elderly, everyday Americans, and individuals with disabilities. “I, along with my Democratic colleagues, stand united against everything this bill represents.”

As Congressional Republicans push to get the legislation to Trump’s desk by the July 4 deadline, Democrats are entangled in the voting process. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Jeffries’ actions as a “total waste of everyone’s time,” while indicating that it would ultimately lead to a vote on the bill.

Additionally, a Republican colleague, impressed by Jeffries’ speech, indicated through text that he was now a “solid yes” on the bill.

The bill is expected to allocate $350 billion for border security, including $46 billion designated for completing the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as funding to add 10,000 ICE agents by 2029.

The Senate narrowly passed the legislation with a 51-50 vote on Thursday, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Later that morning, it received significant backing during a House procedural vote.