‘Benefits Over Billionaires' town hall: Democrats continue jabs at Republicans over potential healthcare cuts
We've seen multiple rallies and town halls protesting potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, but Sunday's 'Benefits Over Billionaires,' town hall led by Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna attracted hundreds of people.
At the Martin Luther King Community Center, there was a big line outside and an even bigger crowd inside, as community leaders, political activists and Santa Clara Congressman Ro Khanna took to the stage.
The message was loud and clear — Central Valley residents cannot afford to lose federal assistance like Medicare, Medicaid and social security.
'This is the most obvious place, because this place is going to be devastated if there are cuts on Medicaid,' said Rep. Ro Khanna.
Kern County has two congressmen — Republicans David Valadao and Vince Fong.
Both voted for House Republicans' budget proposal in February — a blueprint that has sparked concerns resources like Medicare and Medicaid could be cut, as part of efforts to reduce federal spending.
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Valadao especially has been in the hot seat, as reports show around 67% of his constituents are enrolled in Medicaid — which provides insurance for disabled and low-income people.
'My interest is in him changing his vote to avoid these cuts,' said Rep. Khanna. 'I'm not here to try to defeat him. I'm here to try to convince him that these cuts are going to hurt his own constituents and that he should be more loyal to his constituents than Donald Trump.'
To which Valadao responded: 'The fact that [Democrats] are trying to turn this into a healthcare bill…we're focused on what we're actually doing and not pipe dreams of what they're expecting and what they're accusing us of. I'm sorry, wasting my time on political rhetoric is just not what I'm going to do for the next year.'
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Congressman Khanna explained he planned town halls in red districts when House Speaker Mike Johnson encouraged lawmakers to skip such events protesting federal spending cuts.
'I said that's absurd. That's not American democracy,' Khanna said.
For Democrats, healthcare has become a chance to mobilize voters well ahead of 2026.
Khanna himself is rumored to be eyeing higher political offices.
And Dr. Randy Villegas has been named a likely Democratic opponent of Valadao come the Midterm election.
'I'm here to fight for you, I'm here to fight with you,' he said during the town hall.
And Democrat Rudy Salas — who's lost to Valadao two elections in a row — has declared an intention to run for a third time.
Democrats are eyeing vulnerable, competitive congressional seats like Valadao's to flip in 2026 and secure a House majority.
Valadao has repeatedly stated if cuts did come to such assistance programs in a final budget bill, he will vote against it.
'Is he going to be loyal to Donald Trump, in which case he'll lose his seat, or people in his district, in which case, he could probably still win…' said Rep. Khanna, adding that he would take the concerns of Bakersfield back to Capitol Hill.
'And he isn't showing up. And so, I thought I would show up,' the Santa Clara congressman said.
Though Rep. Valadao sits in a sticky situation — with constituents, as well as from a political point — Congressman Vince Fong — who represents a majority Republican district — has not been exempt to critique.
In a statement to 17 News, Fong said, 'I'm working every day with my constituents and community leaders tackling the serious challenges facing our region. I hope that Congressman Khanna will now support our efforts to increase domestic energy production, build water storage infrastructure, invest in our military, revitalize our economy by lowering tax and regulatory burdens on local small businesses, and end the failed high speed rail nightmare. I am committed to strengthening and preserving vital programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, so they can continue to serve our most vulnerable residents. While I am working to ensure the solvency of our health care systems, some of my Democratic colleagues want to hide their own actions that will lead to the insolvency like pushing for an unsustainable single payer system or providing health care to undocumented individuals. The Central Valley is my home, and I hope that my Democratic colleagues will work with me instead of demonizing those they disagree with. I always welcome input from my friends and neighbors throughout our district.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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