The American people do not support this bill, and that includes those living in Republican districts.

Hello, Congress is taking up Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill, and Democrats have been sounding the alarm on the hurt and harm this bill will unleash.

In my district, the Massachusetts 7th, I’ve been holding town halls and listening to my constituents. What I’ve heard is strong opposition to this bill for many reasons, but especially the Medicaid cuts.

Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are AWOL. They’ve been cautioned against hosting town halls and are outright ignoring the people in their district. It’s gotten so bad that people in Republican districts are reaching out to my office to have their voices heard.

And no, I’m not turning my back on them just because they don’t live in my district. I fight for every person who calls this country home to be safer, healthier, and more secure.

I always say that the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power. As Republicans continue to ignore their constituents, I’m listening. I’m using every lever available to me to legislate equity and justice, not hurt and harm. Our progressive movement relies on small-dollar, grassroots donors. Will you pitch in $25 or any amount you can to help us defend Medicaid and other essential government programs?

Here’s what one constituent of a Republican from Michigan sent to me:

“I’m a hospice nurse who works four days a week. My son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old… He cannot be left alone and needs to be supervised 24/7…

[Medicaid] pays for his medication, treatment, hospital stays…

I am 70 years old. I am still working as a hospice nurse four days a week. If they take Medicaid away, I don’t know what I’ll do. I’d have to get a second job.”

“These politicians don’t care about people like my son. They would rather that people like my son would just die. They don’t think that he contributes to society or is worth anything. But as his mom, I know that is so, so, so, wrong.”

It’s abundantly clear: the American people do not support this bill. Republicans, Democrats, and people across the political spectrum rely on Medicaid – whether they’re in Boston or Michigan.

My colleagues and I are elected by the people to serve the people. If Republicans won’t fight for their own constituents, we will. Democrats are listening. And we’re not staying silent. I’m going to keep fighting, but I need your help today.

Every dollar from a grassroots donor like you strengthens our progressive movement. Please, pitch in $25 or any amount that makes sense to you and help defend our communities against Republican extremism.

Yours in service,

Ayanna