Protesters gathered on Tuesday outside the Anaheim office of Republican Rep. Young Kim to voice their opposition to President Trump’s proposed budget cuts that could impact healthcare for millions. This legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” recently passed the U.S. Senate and is now heading to the House of Representatives for a vote, which could occur later this week.
The protesters, including healthcare workers and advocates, expressed their concerns about the potential loss of over $1 trillion in federal funding that supports programs like Medicaid and food assistance for low-income families. Melody Mendenhall, a nurse and member of the California Nurses Association, criticized the bill, calling it harmful and reckless. She urged Rep. Kim to listen to the voices of those who rely on Medicaid services.
A security guard monitored the parking lot as at least six Anaheim police officers observed the demonstration. Protesters attempted to enter the building but were blocked, leading to chants of “Shame! Shame!” from the crowd. Inside, staff members who were initially watching the protest quickly retreated when the protesters approached.
Rep. Kim, who was traveling to Washington at the time, later issued a statement acknowledging the importance of Medicaid for her constituents. She emphasized her commitment to protecting these services and mentioned her meetings with local healthcare advocates.
Trump’s proposal aims to make tax cuts permanent while slashing funding for critical safety-net programs. This has raised alarms among many, especially since approximately 15 million Californians—over a third of the state—are enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Many of these beneficiaries are children and individuals with disabilities.
The House previously passed a version of the bill with Kim’s support, but the Senate’s recent amendments have sparked concern among some Republicans regarding the bill’s impact on the national deficit and their constituents’ well-being. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Senate version could increase the national deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion and result in 11.8 million Americans losing health insurance within a decade.
As lawmakers prepare to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the bill, Republicans hope to send it to Trump for his signature by Friday, coinciding with Independence Day. However, there is anxiety within the party about securing enough votes amidst potential defections and unified Democratic opposition.
The stakes are high, as many protesters highlighted the real-life implications of these cuts. Stories shared included those of disabled children, elderly citizens, and families struggling to make ends meet. Emily Escobar from Planned Parenthood warned that the bill could effectively limit access to vital healthcare services, framing it as a backdoor abortion ban.
With the vote looming, the outcome remains uncertain, and many are watching closely to see how their representatives will respond to their concerns.