Beatty Blasts GOP Budget as 'Billionaire Bankroll Bill,' Proposes Amendment to Block Tax Cuts if Safety Net Programs Are Cut
Beatty’s amendment—No. 280—would prohibit any tax reductions for the top 0.1% of earners if the final bill includes reductions to essential federal assistance programs.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) sharply criticized a Republican-led budget reconciliation bill Tuesday during a House Rules Committee hearing, calling it a “billionaire bankroll bill” and introducing an amendment that would prevent tax breaks for the wealthy if the legislation results in cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, or Social Security.
Beatty’s amendment—No. 280—would prohibit any tax reductions for the top 0.1% of earners if the final bill includes reductions to essential federal assistance programs. The congresswoman said the bill, as currently drafted, would harm millions of working-class Americans while delivering substantial tax relief to high-income earners.
“This amendment is simple,” Beatty told the committee. “No tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans if you cut the programs that everyday families rely on.”
The GOP budget package, moving through the reconciliation process, includes tax cuts that analysts say would provide an average of $278,000 annually to the top income tier, according to Beatty’s office. That amounts to $762 per day—nearly double the weekly earnings of a full-time minimum wage worker in Ohio.
Impact in Ohio and Beyond
Beatty said more than 2.4 million Ohioans depend on Medicaid for health services such as diabetes screenings, cancer treatment, maternal care, and mental health counseling. She referenced the case of Anishia, a Columbus mother of two and recent cancer survivor, who is scheduled for surgery covered by Medicaid and relies on SNAP to feed her children.
“She and her family would be devastated if these cuts take effect,” Beatty said. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about survival.”
The congresswoman also cited national data, warning that the GOP bill could strip health coverage from up to 14 million Americans and end food assistance for roughly 11 million children.
Partisan Tensions
Republicans have denied that their plan includes direct cuts to Medicaid or food aid programs. Beatty responded by saying her amendment would be irrelevant if that were true.
“If there are no cuts, then there’s nothing for this amendment to block,” she said. “That’s why I urge its adoption.”
She further accused Republicans of fast-tracking the process with limited transparency. The hearing began at 1 a.m., and Beatty noted the committee was still in session nearly 11 hours later.
“Is this how a democracy should function?” she asked. “Is this how we lead?”
Committee Proceedings
Beatty formally requested that a critical article on the GOP budget be entered into the congressional record, arguing that it exposes discrepancies between Republican claims and the budget’s actual impact.
She closed her remarks by addressing the public directly.
“We’re here, fighting for you,” Beatty said. “This bill is not a budget—it’s a betrayal. And I won’t stand by while working families are sold out for billionaire tax cuts.”
The Rules Committee will decide whether Amendment 280 moves forward for a floor vote. Debate on the reconciliation bill is expected to continue this week.
