VIDEO: Courage for America Bus Tour Stops in Columbus as Advocates Demand Rep. Jordan “Back Off Our Benefits”
Advocates Ramp Up Pressure on MAGA Republicans Ahead of McCarthy’s 100th Day
Photos, Audio, and Tour Information Available in Our Press Kit
(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)
COLUMBUS, OH — Today, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America joined local advocates in Columbus at Genoa Park to call on GOP Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04) to promise his constituents that he will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.
Rep. Jordan’s constituents, joined by Innovation Ohio and local allies, highlighted how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country toward a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.
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(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)
Here’s what speakers had to say about MAGA lawmakers’ extreme agenda:
Moises Montalvo, a U.S. Army veteran and Common Defense member:
- “House Republicans, including Rep. Jordan, are risking a major global economic crisis and personal crises all across this nation for millions of Americans to score political points. As a veteran, I’m done being a pawn, I’m done being someone’s political tool.”
State Senator Hearcel Craig (SD-15):
- “I hear every day from my constituents who need help. These are hardworking people struggling to make ends meet, who rely on these crucial programs to survive.”
- “We must call out the threat that exists to our social safety nets. […] Extreme members of our Congress are willing to limit the debt ceiling to ensure those programs are cut. This is unacceptable and would put millions of hard working Ohians into poverty. Our families cannot be pawns in these political games.”
Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, a local elected official:
- “This is unfair, and it’s un-American. It’s just another way that they are trying to winnow down our benefits that we’ve worked hard for. So I encourage you to tell people, tell your senators, tell your legislators, and Mr. Jordan to back off our benefits.”
Deacon Nick Bates, J.D., director of the Hunger Network in Ohio:
- “Our federal budget is a moral document. […] Do we want to live in a world where growing old means growing poor? Do we want to live in a world where a person can work and still be unable to afford food for the dinner table each night? Do we want to live in a world where health care costs rise and our communities continue to fall ill? The answer is clearly no.”
- “I declare to you today that it is time for Congress to have America’s back and to back off these benefit cuts that would strip American families of their dignity and of the necessities they need to live each and every day. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and so many other public investments are more than government programs or line items on a balance sheet. They are the moral covenant that we have with one another.”
Cory Hoffman, Delaware City council member:
- “[MAGA Republicans] want to use Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as political footballs. […] I asked humbly for Congressman Jordan to stop doing this, stop playing games and do the right thing for people like my mom and his district.”
Norm Wernet, Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans state director:
- “It appears the majority of Ohio’s congressional delegation are bound and determined to place Ohioans at risk – we see this in the debt ceiling game that they are playing. It is a childish tantrum being acted out by adults who know better. One in five constituents in Jim Jordan’s congressional district will be harmed by the cuts that he wants to make to Medicare. But we know Congressman Jim Jordan, and he is very experienced in looking the other way from the harm being done.”
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