VIDEO: Courage for America Bus Tour Stops in Raleigh to Demand Rep. Hudson “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)
RALEIGH, NC — Today, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America joined local advocates in Raleigh to demand that Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) promise his constituents that he will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on ahead of the looming default deadline — including Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, and veterans’ benefits.
Constituents and advocates, including Raleigh City Council member Christina Jones and veterans with Common Defense, joined Courage for America to highlight how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country towards 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)
Laura Packard, a Courage for America spokesperson and executive director of Health Care Voter:
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“We’re calling on extreme members of the Republican House majority, including Rep. Hudson, to sign a promise [that] they must protect the essential benefits Americans rely on and stop playing political games with the default crisis.”
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“House Republicans, including Rep. Hudson, are risking a major global economic crisis and major personal crises for millions of Americans like me and like you across the country to score political points. So we’re here to ask Rep. Hudson a final time to promise his constituents that he’ll back off our hard-earned benefits and stop playing politics with our livelihoods.”
Christina Jones, Raleigh City Council member:
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“I am a product of all my experiences. Without the safety net of these programs, I don’t know where my family would be. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am unemployment insurance. I am Medicaid. I am SNAP benefits. I’m a city councilor. I am Raleigh.”
Nique Williams, Common Defense member:
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“We’re here today to engage our elected representatives and to demand them to back off our benefits. […] This does not help struggling families in North Carolina, where over 500,000 military veterans reside. Access to benefits is non-negotiable, so back off our benefits and give veterans and working-class people what they deserve.”
Lisette Rodriguez, a community organizer and co-founder of Fayetteville Freedom for All:
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“I’m here today to speak directly to Rep. Richard Hudson on behalf of his constituents who put their bodies and their minds on the line for this country. I am also here for the 23 percent of citizens of Fayetteville who live below the poverty line—people who rely on programs like Medicare and Social Security and SNAP programs. […] Representative Hudson: how many more years are you and your colleagues willing to steal from the American people? Is 50 years of work enough?”
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“Today, I’m calling on you to once again do the right thing and protect Medicare, protect our Social Security, and protect SNAP benefits. These are programs that constituents rely on, and they should not be used as a political football.”
Judy Coggins, a member of CWA Retirees and NC Alliance for Retired Americans:
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“Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid have been lifesavers for millions of Americans for generations—they must not be held hostage by any group.”
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