Washington – Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the Senate amendment to the federal budget resolution, paving the way for massive cuts to fundamental food and health programs that protect the wellbeing of millions of Americans  – all to accommodate $4.5 trillion in tax cuts weighted heavily towards corporations and the wealthiest individuals. 

The resolution passed 216-214, almost entirely on a party-line vote, with all Democrats opposed. The Senate adopted an amendment to the original House budget resolution on April 5 to establish specific instructions for Senate committees. After today’s vote, both Chambers will use the instructions in the resolution to mark up the actual text of the budget bill. GOP leadership seeks to vote on the actual budget bill before Memorial Day. 

Among its threats, the Republican budget resolution directs major cuts to essential programs, including:

• $230 billion from programs under the Agricultural Committee, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provides food assistance to more than 40 million low-income people annually;

• $330 billion from the Education and Workforce Committee, which oversees school lunches and more;

• $880 billion from the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid and other healthcare programs.

The House Ways & Means Committee is also considering tax code changes that could dramatically increase the cost of safe and clean water projects across the country by removing the tax exemption on municipal bonds. 

In response, Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter issued the following statement:

“Let’s be clear: With its cruel and unconscionable cuts to food, healthcare and water programs, this budget resolution will cost American lives – plain and simple. Each and every Republican in Congress that has supported this budget plan must be held accountable for the damage they will cause to countless families and communities when these reckless attacks on fundamental public health and nutrition safeguards are felt by tens of millions of everyday people.”