Congressman Danny K. Davis on Possible Government Shutdown: “The Big Ugly Law has hurt our residents—we must reinstate Medicaid and critical programs.”

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) issued the following statement today regarding the looming government shutdown and the devastating impact of the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” on healthcare and essential services:

“As we face the threat of another government shutdown, the consequences for healthcare and everyday Americans are devastating. The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ has already stripped millions of residents of vital protections by cutting Medicaid, slashing Medicare, and driving up costs for families—while handing tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations.

In Illinois’s 7th Congressional District, families are already feeling the pain. On average, people in IL-07 who are covered under the Affordable Care Act will see their premiums rise by nearly $900. Across our state, over 535,000 people stand to lose health insurance, and nine rural hospitals are at risk of shutting their doors. These reckless cuts will push families closer to poverty and jeopardize access to critical health services.

The harm goes beyond healthcare. At least 205,000 Illinoisans could lose food assistance under cuts to SNAP, while 22,000 manufacturing and energy jobs will disappear, and families will face an average $400 increase in energy bills. More than 154,000 students across Illinois risk losing their Pell grants, making higher education harder to afford. And here in IL-07, the livelihoods of over 13,800 federal workers are put in jeopardy by Republican threats of layoffs.

These choices are not about fiscal responsibility—they are about shifting resources away from working families and into the pockets of the wealthiest Americans. I strongly urge my colleagues to reject these reckless cuts, to fully fund our government, and to reinstate Medicaid and other programs that keep our communities whole. Healthcare is not a privilege—it is a right—and I will continue to fight to protect it.”