In a heated response to the passage of a new budget bill by House Republicans, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi strongly criticized the legislation, calling it “cruel” and a betrayal of hardworking Americans. The bill, which eliminates taxes on Social Security benefits, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), and overtime pay, has sparked intense debate in Washington.

Pelosi’s Criticism

Pelosi took to the floor to urge lawmakers to “listen to their constituents” and consider the consequences of their votes.

“Just listen to your constituents. Hear what they have to say about what it means to their fiscal well-being. Listen to your constituents, the numbers are staggering,” she emphasized.

She accused House Republicans of worsening financial struggles for many Americans, asserting that the bill would raise costs and reduce essential benefits for vulnerable populations.

“By voting for this cruel bill, you are betraying hardworking Americans by raising costs for all those already struggling to make ends meet,” Pelosi added.

Impact on Federal Programs

Pelosi warned that the legislation would significantly impact Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), jeopardizing healthcare for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

“Indeed, a vote for this budget is a vote against Medicaid, ripping away healthcare from children, people with disabilities, and seniors. And it’s a vote against SNAP, as the distinguished chairman indicated, taking food out of the mouths of babies. And you do that with glee,” she declared.

Economic and Political Implications

The bill’s proponents argue that eliminating taxes on Social Security, TIPS, and overtime pay would provide relief to workers and retirees, boosting economic growth. However, critics like Pelosi contend that these benefits come at the cost of critical social programs.

Additionally, Pelosi pointed out that the bill contradicts previous promises made by the Biden administration to reduce inflation and lower the cost of living.

“The President said he was going to reduce the cost of living—he didn’t. Reduce inflation—he didn’t,” she stated.

The Road Ahead

As the bill heads to the Senate, it faces strong opposition from Democrats, who have vowed to fight against its provisions that they argue would disproportionately harm low-income and middle-class Americans. The debate over fiscal responsibility and social welfare programs is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both parties gearing up for a major political showdown.

The passage of this budget bill highlights the deep partisan divide in Congress over economic policy, taxation, and social welfare. Whether it ultimately becomes law or faces a presidential veto remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this battle is far from over.