Washington, D.C. — The budget bill backed by the Republican Party and former President Donald Trump is stirring intense controversy in Congress, with sharp criticism describing it as “constructed by cartoon villains.” This biting remark was made by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, House Minority Whip from Massachusetts, during a recent television interview.

A Bill That ‘Betrays’ Working-Class Americans?

Congresswoman Clark expressed deep disappointment over the numbers in the bill, especially as it was promoted as a plan “to help working-class Americans cope with rising living costs,” yet slashes critical social safety net programs. “How could they win over working-class voters while betraying the very people who trusted them?” Clark questioned.

According to her, the bill delivers a severe blow to millions of Americans’ financial security:

• Cutting healthcare for nearly 14 million people,

• Massive reductions to food assistance programs (SNAP) affecting 42 million individuals,

• Increasing the federal deficit by up to $2.3 trillion over ten years,

• While the wealthiest benefit from large tax cuts.

“This isn’t policy; it’s the work of cartoon villains willing to burden future generations with debt just to reward the richest few,” Clark emphasized.

CBO’s Reaction and Long-Term Consequences

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analyzed the bill and highlighted several concerning points:

• Nearly $70 billion less in federal spending, including $698 billion in Medicaid subsidy cuts,

• Triggering automatic Medicare cuts worth $500 billion starting next year due to the increased deficit,

• Negative impacts on student aid, education programs, clean energy incentives, and income-based student loan repayment plans.

Clark stressed that the bill also ramps up spending on national security and border enforcement by $175 billion but fails to address the root causes of migration.

Negative Impact on Rural Communities and Women

A notable point of Clark’s criticism is that the bill would disproportionately hurt people living in rural areas, where Medicaid, health care services, and community health facilities play a vital role in daily life.

In addition, the bill would slash funding for Planned Parenthood, threatening to close more than 600 clinics, many in underserved areas, affecting about 2 million women who need reproductive health care, cancer screenings, infertility treatments, and more.

“There is nothing sacrosanct about this bill,” Clark said. “Even essential programs like Medicare are being attacked in the name of tax cuts for the super-rich.”

A “political suicide” plan?

Clark expressed concern that the bill could be “political suicide” for Republicans, as it would go against the interests of their traditional voters and those most in need. “This is not the way to build a sustainable and just country,” she said.

In addition, the bill would raise taxes on some colleges, undocumented immigrants, and even some families with children, creating deep inequities and making it harder for those who contribute to the economy but do not receive the support they deserve.

Summary

The Trump budget bill, despite being supported by Republicans, is clearly creating deep divisions in American society. The harsh criticism from Democrats, in the words of Rep. Katherine Clark, goes beyond policy and exposes the plan for what it is: “the work of cartoon villains”—a bill designed not to help people but to enrich a small, privileged group. Whether the bill will pass and what its real impact on American life will be remains to be seen, but it has clearly highlighted deep debates about the country’s future direction.