WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today released the following statement after her vote disapproving of the U.S. Senate budget resolution which would gut Medicare and Medicaid by almost $470 billion and $1 trillion respectively, and make deep cuts to critical programs North Dakotans depend on to obtain affordable housing, heat for their homes, early education, Pell Grants, and more.

“For generations, families and businesses across North Dakota have done better because of federal investments in programs that were designed to help our communities and local economies thrive,” said Heitkamp. “But instead of continuing those smart investments, this budget slashes educational programs from Pell Grants and Head Start, to those that help low-income families find safe, affordable housing and make sure seniors can heat their homes in the winter. What’s worse, it would absolutely gut health care for those who need it most – our seniors on Medicare and rural facilities that depend on Medicaid would see their access to quality care disintegrate – risking the long term health not just of our families and seniors, but the vitality of our rural towns. Simply, this bill hurts rural America and that's why I can't support it. I've long said I want to work on comprehensive, smart tax reforms that help rural economies, and voting against this budget doesn't change that. But for tax reform to work, Republicans and Democrats need to be at the table as it's drafted, and any proposal must support workers, families, and retirees."

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