Hawaii’s two representatives in the U.S. House, Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case, are making strong commitments to block President Donald Trump’s controversial tax and spending cuts package. This comes as Republican leaders in the House strive to align their majority ahead of the president’s targeted deadline of July 4th.
Rep. Tokuda, who represents Hawaii’s Second Congressional District that covers many rural areas and islands, described the proposed legislation as “literally death by a thousand cuts” for Hawaii.
In an interview with Spectrum News, Tokuda expressed her deep concerns about how the bill would negatively impact her constituents, particularly in areas like healthcare. She emphasized, “This big, ugly bill will be absolutely devastating for the people of Hawaii.”
“With deep cuts to Medicaid, reductions in Medicare funding, and decreased food assistance,” Tokuda stated, “This is going to jeopardize the basic health and well-being of our communities.”
In her efforts to advocate for better healthcare access, Tokuda founded the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, underscoring the importance of fighting for affordable healthcare access in remote areas like those she represents.
Reps. Tokuda and Case rushed back to Washington, D.C., to actively participate in discussions regarding the recently passed Senate version of the bill, which required a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance to proceed.
As the House resumed, Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leaders emphasized their intention to pass the bill swiftly, despite notable dissent within their ranks. “The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democrat failure, we intend to deliver without delay,” they stated, attributing the legislative initiative to President Trump’s agenda.
However, the bill’s provisions for deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and various public welfare programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), have raised concerns among some Republican members, especially those facing re-election.
Supporters of the bill argue that it will deliver approximately $4 trillion in tax relief, alongside increased funding for defense and border security.
Before heading back to Washington, Rep. Case visited the Responsive Caregivers of Hawaii, an organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities and relies heavily on Medicaid funding.
Upon his arrival in D.C., Case criticized the bill on social media, describing it as “not just terrible policy, it is just cruel.”
Both representatives are committed to amplifying the voices of their constituents, with Tokuda noting the importance of listening to the community before returning to the Capitol. “I was fully charged up and ready to go with that long flight ahead to make sure that their voices were heard and their needs are met,” she said.
She reiterated the severe implications of SNAP cuts, mentioning that such reductions would not only harm resident families but also severely impact local farmers.
Hawaii’s unique food supply challenges, where 80% to 90% of food is imported, add urgency to the issue. “At any point in time, we import 80% to 90% of our food,” Tokuda pointed out, warning that disruptions could leave the state vulnerable.
“SNAP isn’t just about putting food on people’s tables, it’s about supporting local farmers and giving them a market to produce,” she added, stressing the interconnectedness of food security, nutrition, and local agriculture.
Tokuda conclusively stated, “Cuts to SNAP will be absolutely catastrophic for our communities and just as importantly for our farmers and food producers that we need to support.”
As the House prepares to debate the bill further, both Congress members continue to rally against what they deem harmful legislation that threatens the health and stability of Hawaii’s communities.
image source from：spectrumlocalnews
