21-05-2025
‘Medicaid cuts kill': Healthcare rallies continue, this time with mock caskets and tombstones
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Tensions on Capitol Hill rage on, regarding the new budget proposal.
The divide between Republicans and Democrats is evident in our backyard as well, especially on the topic of potential cuts to healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Local Democratic leaders have been rallying week after week, demanding that Congressman David Valadao of California's 22nd Congressional District vote no on that budget bill.
But Tuesday morning's demonstration was the most somber one yet.
'Will Valadao stand with his constituents or side with people who cut taxes for the richest of Americans?', one attendee asked during her rally speech.
Constituents and community leaders made their way to his district office on M Street, alongside a hearse.
With signs that read 'Medicaid cuts kill,' protesters, with mock caskets and tombstones, held a mock funeral procession, showcasing the irreversible effects of Americans losing access to healthcare, should cuts to Medicare and Medicaid — known as Medi-Cal in California — happen.
Some will be fasting until Friday.
'Do your job. Stand with your people. Abstaining is not enough. You need to vote against it,' said attendee Devon Newton, whom 17 News has interviewed at a prior rally.
Dolores Huerta, civil rights activist, added '[If he votes for this budget bill], he needs to be replaced. And I'm sure Ms. Bains and any other of the candidates will be a great replacement for him.'
Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, whom Huerta mentioned is considered a potential opponent of Valadao come the 2026 Midterm Election.
Another vote on an amended version of the bill is expected soon, and Valadao will have to act.
The representative voted yes on the first version of the bill, but was not present for the second vote.
That's why Huerta and Devon Newton say this time, he must vote no.
This all comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson brought President Trump to Capitol Hill Tuesday to bring GOP lawmakers in line to pass his budget.
Both Kern Congressmen Valadao and Vince Fong were in that closed door meeting.
In a statement earlier this week, Valadao responded to repeated healthcare demonstrations, stated in part quote 'Nothing has been finalized, and as we continue to work through the reconciliation process, I'll keep fighting to protect access to care for hardworking Valley families.'
In further defense of Valadao — who is up for reelection in 2026 — a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) told 17 News, 'Instead of fighting for hardworking Californians, lunatic Democrats are staging phony political theater to defend taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants.'
That's the campaign arm of the House GOP and are standing behind Valadao yet again as its candidate.
It's not yet clear who the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), the campaign arm of the House Democrats, is endorsing in the battle for CD-22.
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