By: Dr Avi Verma

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has launched a scathing critique of the House Republican budget plan, labeling it a “direct assault on Illinois families” and vowing to fiercely oppose its implementation. His condemnation centers on the budget’s proposed cuts to Medicaid and its continued support of President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs.

The Congressman argues that the Republican budget’s plan to slash Medicaid in order to fund tax breaks for billionaires would have devastating consequences for Illinois. He asserts that over 850,000 Illinois residents, including vulnerable populations like infants and nursing home residents, would lose their healthcare coverage.

“Slashing Medicaid to fund tax breaks for billionaires would strip health care from over 850,000 Illinois residents, including two out of every five infants and two-thirds of nursing home residents who rely on this vital program,” Krishnamoorthi stated. “This reckless plan endangers lives and threatens the stability of our health care providers — harming the health and well-being of every single Illinoisan.”

Furthermore, Krishnamoorthi strongly criticized the budget’s support for President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which he argues are driving up consumer prices and pushing the nation towards a recession. He characterized the tariffs, affecting nearly all countries, as a “reckless” tax hike that will inflict significant economic hardship on Illinois families and small businesses.

“These tariffs are anything but liberating,” Krishnamoorthi declared. “They are self-destructive and deeply harmful to hardworking families and small businesses in Illinois and across the nation who will pay higher prices because of them. Furthermore, this horrendous plan protects Trump’s irresponsible blanket tariffs that are already driving up costs and pushing our country toward recession.”

The Congressman has pledged to collaborate with congressional colleagues to repeal the tariffs and fight the Medicaid cuts, urging Illinois residents to join the call for their removal. He has also discussed the potential damage of both policies in interviews with local news outlets, including CBS2 Chicago, NBC5 Chicago, and ABC7 Chicago, as well as on MSNBC.

In addition to his strong stance against the Republican budget and tariffs, Congressman Krishnamoorthi addressed a “Hands Off Rally” in Elgin, where he pledged to defend essential social programs like Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and Social Security. He shared personal experiences, highlighting how these programs aided his family during difficult times.

“When my family faced hard times during my childhood, programs like SNAP and public housing helped my parents get us back on our feet,” Krishnamoorthi told the crowd. “I will keep fighting any proposals and legislation that would rip away those same opportunities for our neighbors and our fellow Americans.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi also announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, inviting high school students from Illinois’ Eighth District to participate. The competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, aims to showcase and encourage artistic talent. Interested students must submit their artwork and a Student Information and Release Form by April 18th. Detailed information is available on the Congressman’s official website.