Republicans Reject Amo Push to Cut $75 Billion from ICE and to Restore Health Care Stripped by Trump’s Big, Ugly Law

Washington, DC – TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI-01) pushed for a vote to redirect the $75 billion from Trump and Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law they earmarked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help undo their devastating health care cuts.

Amo offered the House version of Senator Bernie Sanders' amendment that would use the $75 billion in savings to reverse some Medicaid cuts, preventing 700,000 Americans from losing their health care.

“At a time when families are struggling to afford basic care, Republicans slashed over $1 trillion from our health system to shovel $75 billion into an ICE slush fund,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, a member of the House Committee on the Budget. “Republicans are choosing once again to write a blank check to ICE. They’re undermining real public safety, while failing to lower health care costs. I’m disappointed but not surprised that Republicans are fueling fear and chaos and don’t care about ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used to lower health care costs, strengthen communities, and keep people safe.”

Full text of the amendment can be found HERE.

The amendment is co-sponsored by Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), John Larson (D-CT-01), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), and Herb Conaway (D-NJ-03).
 

Background

Congressman Amo has consistently opposed Trump’s cuts to Americans’ health care. He introduced an amendment during the budget process to make clear Medicaid is critical to the health of the American people. 
 

He has also worked to hold Trump and his cronies accountable for ICE’s violent invasion of our cities. He helped introduce articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. 
 

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