Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields speaks on ‘The Big Beautiful Bill'
'I really do not see how it is beautiful for Louisiana because of the impact it is going to have on the people of Louisiana,' Fields said.
He pointed to a $4.4 billion tax break for the wealthy included in the legislation, which also slashes more than $1 trillion in healthcare funding, potentially leaving millions without insurance. Fields said roughly 260,000 Louisiana residents could lose coverage, including 36,000 in his own district.
The congressman also condemned a $1.1 billion proposed cut to public broadcasting, saying it would harm rural parishes in his district, where many residents rely on public media during hurricanes and other natural disasters.
In response to the bill, Fields outlined three new proposals: a teacher loan forgiveness program for educators who serve eight years in Louisiana public schools, universal early childhood education starting at age two, and a measure to allow SNAP recipients to use benefits for grocery delivery in food deserts.
'It's not as controversial as it may sound, because I think we all want people to have healthy foods,' Fields said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy defended the legislation, saying it would benefit workers, students, patients, and seniors across the state.
'We help those on Medicaid by strengthening the program and ensuring that those on it receive the care they need,' Cassidy said. 'For most seniors, we cut taxes and protected Social Security. We also included a $50 billion rural hospital fund to preserve access to care in rural areas.'
Cassidy added that he, President Trump, and fellow Republicans are united in 'putting Americans first' through the bill.
'We're working together to secure these wins for people in Louisiana—and there's more to come,' he said.
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