Protesters gathered outside the office of Republican Rep. Young Kim in Anaheim on Tuesday to express their anger over a proposed bill that could cut over $1 trillion in federal funding for healthcare. This legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” recently passed the U.S. Senate and is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives soon.
The protesters, including healthcare workers and community advocates, voiced their concerns about the potential impact of the cuts on vulnerable populations. Melody Mendenhall, a nurse from UCLA, criticized the bill, calling it "harmful" and "reckless." She urged Rep. Kim to listen to the voices of her constituents who rely on Medicaid. “We cannot afford this type of reckless cuts and behavior,” she said.
As the protest unfolded, a security guard blocked access to Kim’s office, while police monitored the situation. Some individuals, initially thought to be Kim’s staff, were later identified as members of the building management team. They retreated inside as protesters approached, chanting “Shame! Shame!” in response to the proposed cuts.
Rep. Kim, who was traveling to Washington at the time, issued a statement saying she understands the concerns of her constituents regarding Medicaid services. She emphasized her commitment to protecting and strengthening these services for the most vulnerable citizens in her district.
The proposed bill aims to make tax cuts from President Trump’s first term permanent while slashing funding for essential safety-net programs like Medicaid and food assistance. Critics argue that this could lead to millions losing access to healthcare. An analysis by the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the Senate version of the bill could increase the national deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over the next decade and result in 11.8 million Americans losing health insurance.
In California, where over 15 million residents rely on Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program, the proposed cuts could have devastating effects. Many protesters shared personal stories about how these cuts would impact their families and communities. Emily Escobar from Planned Parenthood highlighted that the funding cuts could lead to reduced access to vital healthcare services, including cancer screenings and reproductive health care.
As the House prepares to vote on the bill, there is concern among some Republicans about potential defections and the unified opposition from Democrats. The urgency to pass the legislation before the July 4 holiday adds to the pressure on lawmakers.
With many Californians relying on Medicaid for essential services, the outcome of this legislation could significantly affect their lives. The ongoing debate underscores the deep divisions within Congress and the critical importance of healthcare funding for millions of Americans.