Democratic leadership announced plans to launch an aggressive nationwide campaign during the August recess targeting the recently enacted Republican spending legislation, setting the stage for what they view as a crucial battle ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
During a July 22 press conference, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized the legislation, which
Republicans formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “Donald Trump is deeply unpopular, and House Republicans haven’t done a damn thing to make life more affordable for the American people,” Jeffries declared.
Recent polling indicates mixed public sentiment, with a CNN/SSRS survey showing 61% opposition to the law and 51% believing it will negatively impact the economy, compared to 29% seeing potential benefits.
The Democratic leadership team, including Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), outlined plans for town halls and public events highlighting what they describe as the legislation’s harmful impacts. The law, which received Trump’s signature this month, implements substantial changes to Medicaid, restructures welfare programs, and includes tax cuts that Republicans claim will boost economic growth.
Clark accused Republicans of favoring wealthy interests over working families, citing projections that millions could lose health coverage. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 7.7 million Americans could become uninsured due to new Medicaid requirements, including six-month income and citizenship verification checks starting in 2027 and mandatory 20-hour weekly work requirements for certain adults.
The legislation also reduces state Medicaid financing capabilities by lowering allowable provider taxes from 6% to 3.5% in expansion states over five years. While Republicans defend this as eliminating “money laundering,” critics warn of potential hospital budget shortfalls. The law establishes a $50 billion Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund running from 2026 through 2030 to address these concerns.
Democrats have scheduled themed events to contrast their economic vision with the Republican law, including a Medicare and Medicaid Day of Action on July 30, followed by Social Security-focused programming on August 14 and a Cost of Living Week of Action later in August.
“We believe in this country that when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live the good life,” Jeffries stated, warning Republicans to “keep their hands off of Social Security and Medicare.”
Aguilar highlighted concerns about rural healthcare access, claiming facilities are already closing while the law makes “the purchase of a new private jet fully tax deductible.” Democratic opposition was evident when Jeffries spoke for nearly nine hours on July 2 attempting to delay the bill’s passage.
House Republican leadership celebrated the legislation as a historic achievement, stating it “permanently lowers taxes,” “unleashes American energy dominance,” and “makes government more efficient and effective.” However, Democrats maintain voters will reject these claims once direct impacts become apparent.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) defended the Medicaid changes as improving program integrity, but health policy experts warn new administrative requirements could cause eligible Americans to lose coverage. The law’s effects on health insurance premiums and healthcare access, particularly in expansion states, remain contentious points of debate between the parties.
Clark summarized the Democratic position: “They are literally running away from the needs of the American people in order to protect the very wealthy.” As both parties prepare for the August recess, this legislative battle appears poised to significantly influence the approaching midterm elections.