Protesters rally against Medicaid cuts outside Rep. David Valadao's office after Senate passes ‘Big, Beautiful Bill'

Yahoo

17 hours ago

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Dozens of activists rallied outside Congressman David Valadao's office on M Street in Bakersfield on Tuesday to protest potential Medicaid cuts.
That same morning, the Senate passed their version of Trump's budget bill in a 51-50 split vote, with Vice President JD Vance having the tie-breaking vote. Now the bill will be sent to the House for another round of voting.
Constituents are asking Valadao to vote no on the bill. Speakers at the protest said the bill will cut back on healthcare in rural communities like Kern County, leaving residents vulnerable.
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Gilbert Garcia with the California Alliance for Retired Americans said this bill could negatively impact someone like himself.
'We need insurance coverage for medical, dental and vision,' Garcia said. 'When we retire, there's not a whole lot of money to retire on. That means I need my Medicaid card coverage.'
Ana Alonso with the Disability Voices United said she is proud of all the support they get.
Alonso said this was the third rally she attended. She said she is advocating for people like her son, who need access to emergency services.
'Unfortunately, my son has had 27 surgeries so far in his life and he's only 14. These kinds of services are our backbone,' Alonso said.
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Protesters also expressed their frustration with Congressman Valadao's lack of public stance towards the bill.
'Cutting healthcare is too low, shame on you Valadao,' attendees chanted.
'It's not fair to represent so many people and not show up to answer any of their questions,' Monica Escalante with In-Home Supportive Services said. 'We matter.'
Although Valadao has declined multiple interview requests with 17 News on this topic, he spoke about the budget bill on his social media pages over the weekend.
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'I've been clear from the start that I will not support a final reconciliation bill that makes harmful cuts to Medicaid, puts critical funding at risk or threatens the stability of healthcare providers across CA-22,' Valadao said on social media. 'I urge my Senate colleagues to stick to the Medicaid provisions in H.R. 1 — otherwise, I will vote no.'
Protesters look to continue their fight for Medicaid and healthcare.
'I'm still hopeful and I believe we can fight this,' Escalante said.
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