Issues with the budget proposal

I have serious concerns about this budget proposal. I take umbrage when you call Social Security an “entitlement”. This is inaccurate and offensive. I’ve paid into it since I was 16—over 52 years of contributions, totaling 12.4% of my wages. It is earned income, not a government handout. Social Security is funded through payroll taxes and interest on a $2.7 trillion trust fund—not the general fund. You mentioned concerns about the deficit, which is indeed alarming. But let’s be honest about what’s driving it. Trump’s first-term tax cuts for the wealthy are projected to add $8.4 trillion over 10 years (excluding COVID spending, it’s still $4.8 trillion). The current budget proposal could add $3.3 to $5.8 trillion more—$2 trillion from tax cuts that largely benefit the wealthiest Americans. You support cuts to Medicaid, which would cause 7.6 million people to lose coverage. Rural hospitals and clinics will close, children will suffer, and the long-term financial strain will grow. Medicaid covers about 41% of all births in the U.S. It helps ensure healthy pregnancies and babies, which reduces maternal and infant mortality, lowers long-term healthcare costs, and boosts productivity. Cutting this is not just inhumane—it’s fiscally irresponsible. Moreover, 63% of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid. These for-profit institutions won’t keep residents without coverage. Many elderly Americans will be forced into homelessness or become a financial and emotional burden on their families. That’s not just unjust—it’s economically foolish. This budget also slashes SNAP benefits and school lunches. Food-insecure children can’t learn or thrive. Cutting USDA programs that provided fresh produce to food banks only worsens this crisis. Malnourished children become less productive adults—again, a long-term cost to the nation. Meanwhile, billionaires and corporations continue to benefit from unfair tax advantages. Capital gains should be taxed like wages. Wealth should not be shielded through loopholes and offshore tax havens. And corporate welfare must end. From 2018–2022, many large, profitable companies paid no federal corporate income tax, despite using public infrastructure and services. That’s unacceptable. Finally, the proposal to limit courts from enforcing contempt citations is deeply concerning. Weakening the rule of law sets a dangerous precedent. Fiscal responsibility means asking the wealthiest individuals and corporations to pay their fair share—not gutting critical safety nets. What matters more: tax breaks for billionaires’ fourth vacation homes, or healthy, educated children and dignity for our elderly? Please reconsider your priorities. The American people deserve better.