Protesters rally against Rep. Bresnahan's 'Big Beautiful Bill' vote

Yahoo

28-05-2025

May 27—FORTY FORT — Frustrated constituents of U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan gathered outside of his 900 Rutter Avenue office in Luzerne County to protest the freshman congressman's vote in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will almost certainly result in cuts to Medicaid should it become law.
The budget reconciliation bill was passed by a razor-thin 215-214-1 vote in the House of Representatives on May 22.
"Rob Bresnahan promised that he wouldn't support policies that hurt working families, and he said numerous times that he wouldn't support cuts to Medicaid," said protest organizer Megan Kocher. "This reconciliation package is going to cut over $600 billion for Medicaid. I've met with his staff, and I'm just really upset that he lied to us so many times."
The exact financial impact on Medicaid as a result of the bill's potential passage is still undefined, though the cuts to both that program and others, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are expected by numerous sources to be devastating. The bill will next be voted on by the U.S. Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage over the Democrats and two Independents who caucus with the Democrats.
The effects of the bill will be felt by many in the 8th congressional district, which includes all of Lackawanna, Pike and Wayne counties, as well as large swaths of Luzerne and Monroe counties. Some of those who are fearing the consequences were in attendance at Tuesday's protest.
"I have two autoimmune conditions that [make] it very difficult to wake up and do basic things everyday," said Susan Yugovsky. "Being here is very difficult for me. ... I had to rally, because it's that ... important."
To emphasize her concern over Medicaid's impending changes, Yugovsky told the protesting crowd the specifics of her health care story.
"Medicaid is saving my life," Yugovsky declared. "Previously, I worked for a health insurance company in collections. I still cannot afford to use their health insurance. The deductible was $2,500 — that had to be paid up front. I could not do that. When Obamacare was expanded in our state, I was finally able to get Medicaid and treatment for my health conditions."
Brenna Rabinowitz, another protester, was thinking of her three children, all of whom were adopted from foster care.
"They're all considered special needs. They all have different neurodivergent diagnoses, developmental delays and trauma resulting from their background," Rabinowitz said of her children. "They all receive services through Medicaid that cost more than our family makes in a year, and those services have changed the trajectory of their lives."
Rabinowitz said that her oldest child, who is about to turn 7, has been able to overcome the aforementioned health issues thanks to the services provided by Medicaid.
"Everyone deserves what they need, and Rob Bresnahan pretends that he understands that," Rabinowitz stated, before citing a letter that Bresnahan and 11 other Republicans co-authored, which read:
"We acknowledge that we must reform Medicaid so that it is a strong and long-lasting program for years to come... However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations."
The full letter was included in a press release from Bresnahan's office on April 17.
"He turns around and votes for cuts to Medicaid every chance he gets. He's a liar and a coward and he needs to go," Rabinowitz said of Bresnahan.
Kocher, who ran unsuccessfully for the 119th District seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2024, encouraged protesters to participate in rallying chants, make signs and call Bresnahan's office one at a time to make their voices heard.
Bresnahan's two Pennsylvania congressional neighbors — Republicans Ryan Mackenzie of the 7th District and Dan Meuser of the 9th District — also voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
"I'm just grateful to see that they're also being met with protests, and that they're going to be held accountable by their constituents," Kocher said, referring to the representatives in Pennsylvania who joined Bresnahan in supporting the reconciliation bill.
The Medicaid cuts are personal for Kocher. She said that she was on Medicaid as a child.
"Medicaid will be cut," Kocher asserted, "and people will die because of this vote."
Bresnahan team statements
In a response to Tuesday's protest, Bresnahan's office released the following statement:
"Congressman Bresnahan works every day to do all he can to improve the lives of Northeastern Pennsylvanians. That means voting for legislation that secures our borders, maintains tax cuts for working-class families, provides tax relief to service industry and overtime workers, takes care of seniors and protects social safety net programs for those who rely on them most.
"Rep. Bresnahan said from the beginning he would not support something that 'guts the benefits my neighbors rely on,' and he stayed true to that promise. No American citizen who legally receives Medicaid will lose their benefits.
"While Rep. Bresnahan thanks these constituents for making their voices heard, he encourages them to stop listening to left-wing lies. Any constituents with questions on how the legislation impacts them can contact our office."
In addition, Bresnahan's Communications Director Hannah Pope responded to the protesters' concerns with the following statement:
"The individuals mentioned who are concerned about their Medicaid benefits are not going to lose their coverage, nor will they be held to the work requirement. Specifically, those with disabilities, those caring for dependents or disabled individuals, students, disabled veterans, pregnant women and others are exempt from any work requirements. Every American citizen who is eligible for Medicaid will continue to receive those benefits, and this is something Rep. Bresnahan was adamant on ensuring from day one."