Mrvan deems House Republican tax, spending plan 'immoral'
Northwest Indiana Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, had no qualms about voting Wednesday against the federal spending legislation Republican President Donald Trump has dubbed the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill."
"I opposed the House Republican reconciliation legislation because it prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy at the cruel expense of seniors, veterans, children and working families," Mrvan said.
"It is immoral for the powerful and politically-connected to exploit the legislative process for personal gain, and this legislation amounts to the largest transfer of wealth from the pockets of the most vulnerable and working families to the richest amongst us."
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects the legislation will reduce the incomes of the poorest Americans by 2-4% while the wealthiest will take home 2-4% more. Many low-income Americans also will lose access to Medicaid health coverage and SNAP food assistance.
In addition, the measure will increase the federal budget deficit by $3.8 trillion between 2026 and 2034, according to CBO.
"Throughout my career, I have worked to support all individuals when they need emergency assistance or hit a bump in the road, and I have seen the tangible value of the Medicaid program in Indiana and how it predominantly assists seniors, individuals with disabilities and children. It will not only strip away these health benefits, it will also increase private health care costs and reduce services for everyone," Mrvan said.
A proposal offered by him to require a study of the legislation's impact on out-of-pocket costs for cancer care was not accepted by the House Republican majority.
"This deal leaves everyday Americans behind, and our job is to protect and fight for them. I encourage the Senate to reject this deeply flawed legislation," Mrvan said.
Every Republican representing Indiana in the U.S. House supported the legislation, including U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Granger, whose district includes rural areas of LaPorte County, and U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-Greencastle, who serves Newton and Jasper counties.
Yakym called the measure "the most pro-growth, pro-family, pro-worker and pro-America legislation in a generation," and a major step toward advancing Trump's "America First" agenda.
"It makes the Trump tax cuts permanent, puts more money in Americans' pockets by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, and delivers historic relief for working families. It secures the border, backs our law enforcement, unleashes American energy and cuts wasteful Washington spending," he said.
The House-approved proposal next goes to the Republican-controlled Senate. It must pass both chambers with identical language to advance to Trump and be signed into law.