Rep. Lee Issues Statement on President Trump’s Assault on Medicaid

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 -- Rep. Barbara Lee, D-California, issued the following statement on the Trump Administration's issued guidance allowing states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients:

"Today President Trump and Republicans confirmed what Democrats have known all along: Republicans plan to force struggling families to foot the bill for the massive tax giveaway they just rammed through Congress.

"The Trump Administration's decision to allow states to place work requirements on Medicaid recipients represents the next chapter in the Republican crusade to end Medicaid as we know it.

"Ripping healthcare away from people who need it the most will not help create jobs - it will only kick them while they are down. In fact, 60 percent of nonelderly Medicaid recipients are already working. And those who are not currently working rely on Medicaid because of a disability or extreme illness, are caring for family members, or are in school. Make no mistake - this immoral attack will devastate American families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

"Right now, 40 million Americans are locked in poverty. This cold-hearted assault will force millions even deeper into poverty. It seems Republicans are willing to place the health and well-being of the American people in the balance just to line the pockets of their billionaire donors.

"This truth is harsh, but one thing is certain: this inhumane agenda will not persist without a fight. I remain determined to do everything within my power to protect Medicaid. I refuse to cede the basic bargain of America to right wing conservatives and special interests."