Mrvan slams GOP Tax Bill for targeting seniors and working families

Reconciliation legislation passed last week, calling the measure “immoral” and warning that it prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy while endangering essential services for the most vulnerable Americans.

The House narrowly approved the controversial bill on May 22 by a 215-214 vote. The legislation, framed by Republican leadership as a reconciliation package to reduce government spending and stimulate the economy, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and advocacy organizations for its proposed deep cuts to Medicaid, veterans’ services, and other social safety net programs. The bill is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate.

In a formal statement released after the vote, Mrvan said, “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. It is immoral for the powerful and politically-connected to exploit the legislative process for personal gain.”

Mrvan, who represents Indiana’s First Congressional District, highlighted his concern for the practical effects the legislation would have on constituents in Northwest Indiana and across the country. He cited Medicaid as a lifeline for seniors, people with disabilities, and children in Indiana, warning that the GOP-backed bill would gut access to care while simultaneously driving up private healthcare costs.

“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,” Mrvan said.

The legislation is being framed by Republicans as necessary for reducing the federal deficit, but critics argue it is yet another attempt to funnel wealth toward the top earners. Democrats point out that many of the bill’s provisions reverse course on longstanding bipartisan efforts to protect public health and welfare.

Adding to his opposition, Mrvan noted that an amendment he offered to study how the bill would impact cancer prevention and treatment was denied consideration by the Republican-led House Rules Committee. His amendment would have required a government report on the bill’s effect on out-of-pocket healthcare costs for Americans needing cancer screenings or treatment.

“To verify the harmful impact of this legislation, I offered an amendment to simply produce a study… and it is very telling that the Majority did not permit the consideration of this amendment,” Mrvan stated.

The amendment’s rejection, he said, underscores the lack of transparency and disregard for public health embedded in the legislation.

The House reconciliation bill arrives amid a larger political battle over tax policy and budget priorities heading into the 2026 election cycle. In recent months, GOP lawmakers have pushed for making permanent the individual tax cuts first enacted under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed by former President Donald Trump. While Republicans argue the tax cuts stimulate investment and job creation, critics say the cuts disproportionately benefit corporations and high-income earners while blowing up the deficit.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, proposed Medicaid cuts in the House package would remove coverage for millions of Americans, including rural residents and veterans who rely on the program for basic care.

As the measure heads to the Senate, advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers are vowing to rally public support to defeat it. In his closing
remarks, Mrvan urged the Senate to reject the bill, framing it as a moral and economic imperative.

“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.

Mrvan’s stance aligns with his broader legislative agenda, which includes protecting access to affordable healthcare, supporting organized labor, and strengthening the economic future of working- and middle-class families across Northwest Indiana.