U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat from Lakewood, raced to Washington, D.C., with her newborn son, Sam, to vote against a Republican spending plan crucial to President Donald Trump’s agenda. Despite being denied the opportunity to vote remotely, Pettersen made sure her voice was heard against what she considered a harmful budget resolution blueprint.
The budget proposal passed by a narrow margin of 217-215 and calls for $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $2 trillion in spending cuts. Democrats have criticized the plan for potentially slashing vital services like Medicaid to benefit the wealthiest Americans, while Republicans argue it is essential for fulfilling Trump’s agenda and keeping taxes low.
Colorado’s congressional delegation split along party lines, with four Democrats and four Republicans voting accordingly. Freshman Republican Gabe Evans from Weld County defended his vote, emphasizing that the bill ensures families do not face tax increases and small businesses do not see their tax rates doubled.
The proposal, if enacted into law, would extend a set of tax cuts initiated during Trump’s first term that were supposed to expire at the end of the year. The budget proposal is expected to undergo further discussions and revisions in committees in the coming weeks.
Pettersen’s dedication to vote against the plan while juggling her responsibilities as a new mother highlights the significance of every vote in the closely divided Congress. The outcome of this budget proposal will have far-reaching implications for Coloradans and Americans at large, impacting crucial services and tax policies.
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