Reps. Sewell and Figures vote No on House Republicans' Budget Resolution

February 25, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget resolution largely on party lines. U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL07) and Shomari Figures (D-AL02) voted against House Republicans' budget bill.

Congresswoman Sewell in a statement said that she could not support the proposal because it calls for cuts to health care benefits.

"To rip health care away from millions of Americans in order to give tax cuts to the very wealthy is unconscionable," said Rep. Sewell. "The people we represent sent us to Congress to improve their lives, not pad the pockets of Trump, Musk, and their billionaire friends. This budget is a betrayal of Alabama families, and I voted hell no!"

Rep. Figures said that he could not vote for a proposal that cuts Medicaid and supplemental nutrition benefits while still failing to balance the budget.

"The House Republicans' budget sends a clear message to hardworking Americans: we do not care about you or your family," said Rep. Figures. "I voted against this bill because I cannot support a budget that adds nearly $2 trillion to the national deficit while cutting critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP that is a lifeline for millions of Americans."

"In my district, access to affordable and quality health care is a top concern, especially in rural communities," added Rep. Figures. "Under this ill-conceived bill, children, parents, and seniors will lose critical health care coverage. If Republicans truly cared about families, they would prioritize teachers, service members, and first responders, not provide tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy."

"If House Republicans are going to force us further into debt, then it should be to lower the cost of living for families," said Figures. "It should be to save our rural hospitals, expand access to affordable health care, housing, education, and create jobs. We should not make life harder and more expensive for families, but we should work together to improve the lives of all Americans."

Rep. Sewell's office said that the House Republicans' budget calls for cuts to Medicaid, threatening more than 1 million Alabamians and the health care providers that serve them.

More than 20% of all Alabamians rely on Medicaid, including:

45.4% of all children in the state

45% of moms giving birth and their newborn babies

35.2% of working-age adults with disabilities

68% of people living in nursing homes

20% of Medicare beneficiaries

12.7% of adults aged 19-64

The Senate has passed their own budget plan. The two plans will eventually go to a conference committee where the differences in the two budgets will be worked out. This compromise between the two GOP plans will then be voted on by both Houses. If passed this will keep the government funded until the end of the current fiscal year while embracing many of President Donald J. Trump's budget priorities.