Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) challenged New Jersey’s three Congressional Republicans to defend their votes to cut Medicaid from children and seniors in their districts in order to give a tax break to the wealthiest Americans.

“News has emerged that Republicans across the country are cancelling their town halls after blowback from constituents following cuts to vital services,” said Watson Coleman. “My Republican colleagues must justify their votes to cut healthcare for 700,000 New Jerseyans on Medicaid in order to pay for a $4.5 trillion tax cut for the super rich and corporations. They need to explain their votes to their constituents at public town halls. I will be happy to travel to Tom Kean’s district, Chris Smith’s district, or Jeff Van Drew’s district to help them explain their vote to their Constituents.”

The House Republican budget reconciliation bill instructs Congressional committees to cut $880 billion from the Energy & Commerce Committee to fund tax breaks. The New York Times reported that most of these cuts can only come from Medicaid.

“As I mentioned on the House Floor this week, Tom Kean represents 70,000 people who receive their healthcare through Medicaid and are at risk of losing their coverage under the Republican Budget,” continued Watson Coleman. “Jeff Van Drew represents over 176,000. Chris Smith represents over 178,000, including nearly 100,000 children. I think my colleagues should help their concerned constituents understand what they should do when they lose their coverage. I’m happy to help facilitate those discussions.”

Medicaid provides health coverage to 700,000 New Jersey residents, including:

• 33.4% of all children
• 31% of moms giving birth and their newborn babies
• 39.5% of working-age adults with disabilities
• 60% of people living in nursing homes