Rep. Sykes Signs Discharge Petition to Compel Vote on Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) co-sponsored the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act and has signed a discharge petition to bring the bill to the House Floor for a vote. The Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act would protect families by prohibiting Republicans from weaponizing the reconciliation process to cut benefits or remove individuals from Medicaid and SNAP. This would help ensure that tens of millions of Americans continue to have access to essential health care and food assistance
“For years now, we have heard from people across the country that everything costs too much. And in response, Republicans in Washington keep voting to raise costs, increase layoffs, and cut services for American families,” said Rep. Sykes. “Needless to say, I was eager to sign the discharge petition to compel a vote on this legislation to protect the people in Ohio-13. Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will have direct impacts on countless families and residents in my district who rely on these programs for health care coverage and to put food on the table. Not to mention the fact that hospital systems are the biggest employer in my district, so cuts to Medicaid would have a huge impact on the economy in Ohio-13 and the surrounding region.”
A discharge petition is a procedural tool that allows Members of Congress to bring a bill or resolution to the House Floor for consideration even if the measure has not been reported by committee or is not supported by the majority party leadership. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures – a majority of the House – in order to successfully move a bill to the House Floor for a vote.
The Republican budget scheme will have a direct impact on Ohio 13’s middle class by gutting lifelines that help families afford health care, put food on the table, and keep their kids in school.
Medicaid
In Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, Medicaid covers more than 201,000 people – including more than 83,000 children and nearly 18,000 seniors – who are now at risk of losing their health care under Republican budget plans. Any cuts to Medicaid would have far reaching effects on our local economy as hospital systems are the district’s largest employers. Nearly 80 million Americans receive health care through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, which provide critical care throughout all stages of life.
Increasing Food Costs
With many American families struggling to put food on the table, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides critical support for over 40 million Americans including children, seniors, veterans, and working parents. Extreme Republican budget plans threaten the more than 99,000 people in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who count on SNAP to put food on the table.