As McCarthy Heads to Wall Street, Advocates and Constituents to Blast Him in D.C. for Selling Out Families While Protecting Tax Breaks for Wealthy

New Report Details First 100 Days of Extreme MAGA House Majority

Photos, Videos from “Back Off Our Benefits” Bus Tour Available Here

This Sunday marks the 100th day of the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives under Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Ahead of the anniversary, the House Accountability War Room released a new report showing that MAGA lawmakers are playing dangerous political games with people’s lives and livelihoods by pushing the country toward a reckless default crisis, advocating for dangerous policies, and prioritizing baseless political stunts over helping the American people.

On Monday, to mark McCarthy’s 100th day as House Speaker and in response to him heading to Wall Street to discuss the looming default deadline, advocates and his own constituents will be speaking at the U.S. Capitol to call out MAGA politicians for threatening to cut benefits unless their outrageous demands are met.

Here’s what you need to know:

“Back Off Our Benefits” Bus Tour Calls Out MAGA Lawmakers in NY, PA, OH, and WI:

The “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour joined local advocates in several congressional districts this week to urge MAGA lawmakers — many of whom did not respond to invites from their constituents to meet — to sign a pledge to protect the life-saving benefits that they rely on.

In Harrisburg, alongside The 99% Pennsylvania and Keystone Research Center, constituents of Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10) including veterans and retirees demanded that he stop playing games with the country’s economy and people’s livelihoods.

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

Speakers in Albany and Saugerties, NY — including local elected officials and veterans with Common Defense — highlighted how MAGA lawmakers like Representatives Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Marc Molinaro (NY-19) are pushing the country towards a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

“If Congress defaults on America’s debts, the results will be catastrophic. […] We are asking Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and other House members to pledge to protect our hard-earned benefits and to not default on America’s debt obligations,” said Danielle Hindieh, a Courage for America council member from New York.

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

On Friday, advocates with Courage for America, Innovation Ohio, and the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans blasted Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04) for playing political games that will cost American seniors, veterans, and children.

“We must call out the threat that exists to our social safety nets,” said Hearcel Craig, an Ohio state senator. “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.”

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

Tomorrow, the bus will join Opportunity Wisconsin and other local advocates for a final stop in La Crosse, WI to demand that Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) stop threatening Wisconsinites’ benefits.

Videos for all events can be found here, high-quality audio is available here, and additional photos here.

While McCarthy Heads to Wall Street, Advocates and Constituents to Blast Him in D.C. 

After 20 days on the road and events in 13 congressional districts, advocates and constituents will make their way to Washington, D.C. on Monday to demand House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and MAGA lawmakers stop using the default crisis as an excuse to threaten cuts to life-saving programs like Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, and veterans’ benefits.

While Speaker McCarthy delivers remarks on Wall Street about forcing our nation to default and protecting wealthy billionaires and bankers, Courage for America and some of McCarthy’s own constituents will host a press conference to demand MAGA lawmakers stop playing games with the country’s economy. Afterwards, they will hand-deliver a petition to his office in D.C. that is signed by Americans from across the country calling on him to make a promise to Americans that he will not cut their hard-earned benefits.

You can RSVP for the D.C. press conference on Monday, April 17, at 1:30 PM ET here.

War Room Releases Report on 100 Days of McCarthy’s MAGA House, Highlighting Efforts to Cut Benefits

Ahead of Kevin McCarthy’s 100th day as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Courage for America’s House Accountability War Room released a new report on the first 100 days of MAGA lawmakers controlling the chamber. The report shows that the Republican majority in Congress has been defined by dangerous policies, baseless political stunts, and a reckless forced march towards the brink of a national default.

“Kevin McCarthy’s House of Representatives is the most extreme House of Representatives in generations,” said Zac Petkanas, senior advisor to the House Accountability War Room. “They’ve launched political stunt investigations to undermine President Biden, passed legislation criminalizing abortion providers, and are threatening to force a devastating financial default if their demands to cut benefits like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid aren’t met. Every day, it seems they try to prove just how MAGA they are — and the American people are paying the price.”

The report also includes research spotlights from partner organizations Accountable.US, Media Matters, and Congressional Integrity Project that shed light on how the extreme MAGA House majority has conducted itself and the potential consequences.

Read the full report here.

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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.

For photos, videos, and more, visit our Press Kit and Facebook. Event photos and videos will continue to be updated as they are available.
For additional information or to speak with a spokesperson or event speaker, contact [email protected].

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

WATCH EVENT HERE

FULL EVENT AUDIO HERE

EVENT PHOTOS HERE

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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Advocates Ramp Up Pressure on MAGA Republicans Ahead of Potential Default Crisis and McCarthy’s 100th Day

COLUMBUS, OH  — Today (4/14) at 10 AM ET, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America will host a press conference with local advocates in Columbus at Genoa Park to call on Representative Jordan to promise his constituents that he will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

Constituents of Rep. Jordan and Innovation Ohio will join Courage for America council members and allies to shine a light on how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country toward a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

RSVP For the Press Conference Here

PRESS CONFERENCE AT GENOA PARK

• WHO: 
  • Moises Montalvo, Army Veteran and Common Defense member
  • Hearcel Craig, Ohio State Senator
  • Deacon Nick Bates, J.D., Director of the Hunger Network in Ohio
  • Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Franklin County Clerk of Courts
  • Norm Wernet, Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans state director
  • Cory Hoffman, Delaware City council member
  • Additional constituents and community leaders from OH-04
• WHEN: Today (4/14) at 10 AM ET (check-in begins at 9:30 AM ET)
• WHERE: Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

** B-ROLL AND PHOTO VISUAL: “Back Off Our Benefits” branded bus, signs being held by individuals; large “empty promise” placard; local community members speaking; campaign members wearing Courage for America t-shirts and sweatshirts**

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Courage For America council member and former vice-mayor of Phoenix, AZ, Peggy Bilsten, released the following statement in response to the political group “No Labels” announcing its intention to spend $70 million to run a third-party presidential candidate in the next election.

“Let’s be clear: No Labels is not a moderate group looking for bipartisan, common-sense solutions as they claim. Time and again they have proven to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, pushing policies and causes that promote MAGA extremism while pretending they are something much less dangerous. We most frequently see this when the organization advocates for cuts to essential programs like Social Security under the guise of fiscal responsibility.

“Now, we’re seeing it with their $70 million push to run a third-party candidate that will achieve one goal: returning MAGA extremism to the White House.

“We have already seen the chaos, danger, and extremism that has defined the MAGA-controlled House of Representatives’ agenda this session. We cannot afford to let this deeply unpopular and harmful agenda gain control of another branch of our government.”

To learn more about Courage for America or speak with a spokesperson, contact [email protected].

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Courage for America and Advocates from Across the Country Ramp Up Pressure and Mark McCarthy’s 100th Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, April 17, at 1:30 PM ET, Courage for America will host a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to conclude its cross-country “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour. After 20 days on the road and events in 13 congressional districts, advocates and constituents will call on Speaker McCarthy and MAGA lawmakers to stop using the default crisis as an excuse to threaten cuts to life-saving programs like Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, and veterans’ benefits.

Following the press conference, the group will hand-deliver a petition to Speaker McCarthy signed by Americans from across the country calling on him to make a promise to Americans that he will not cut their hard-earned benefits.

RSVP for the Press Conference Here

For photos, videos, local news clips, and more information on the tour, visit our press kit or contact [email protected].

“Back Off Our Benefits” Press Conference at U.S. Capitol 

• WHO: 
  • Laura Packard, executive director of Health Care Voter
  • Michael Fanone, former MPD Officer and Courage for America Council member
  • Naveed Shah, political director of Common Defense
  • Syanne Centeno-Bloom, disability rights activist
  • Imelda Ceja-Butkiewicz, local Bakersfield public health advocate
  • Additional speakers to come 
• WHEN: Monday, April 17 at 1:30 PM ET (check-in begins at 1 PM ET)
• WHERE: U.S. Capitol (RSVP for full location details)

***B-ROLL AND PHOTO VISUAL: Community leaders and constituents holding “Back Off Our Benefits” signs, speakers calling out MAGA Republicans in front of the Capitol Building***

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Advocates Ramp Up Pressure on MAGA Republicans Ahead of Potential Default Crisis and McCarthy’s 100th Day

SAUGERTIES, NY — Today (4/12) at 2 PM ET, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America will host a press conference with local advocates in Saugerties at the Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Citizen Recreation Center to call on Representative Molinaro to promise his constituents that he will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

NOTE: Rep. Molinaro’s constituents invited him to attend the event and make this promise to their constituents, but they did not hear back from the office. 

Local advocates and constituents of Rep. Molinaro will join Courage for America council members and allies to shine a light on how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country towards a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

RSVP For the Press Conference Here

PRESS CONFERENCE AT FRANK D. GRECO MEMORIAL SENIOR CITIZEN RECREATION CENTER

• WHO: 
  • Joyce Thompson, Longtime local resident and community leader
  • Kathy Childs Gordon, Longtime local resident and community activist
  • Patti Rosenbloom, Retired social worker
  • Abe Uchitelle, County Legislator
  • Additional constituents and community leaders from NY-19
• WHEN: Today, April 12 at 2 PM ET (check-in begins at 1:30 PM ET)
• WHERE: Frank D. Greco Memorial Senior Citizen Recreation Center, 207 Market St, Saugerties, NY 12477

** B-ROLL AND PHOTO VISUAL: “Back Off Our Benefits” branded bus, signs being held by individuals; large “empty promise” placard; local community members speaking; campaign members wearing Courage for America t-shirts and sweatshirts**

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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)

ALBANY, NY — Today, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America joined constituents and advocates at the State Capitol to call on Representative Stefanik to promise her constituents that she will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

Speakers, including local elected officials and veterans with Common Defense, highlighted how MAGA lawmakers like Stefanik are playing political games and pushing the country towards a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

For photos, videos, and more, visit our Press Kit and Facebook. Event photos and videos will continue to be updated as they are available.
For additional information or to speak with a spokesperson or event speaker, contact [email protected].

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

WATCH EVENT HERE

FULL EVENT AUDIO HERE

EVENT PHOTOS HERE 

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 Representative Stefanik, are risking a major global economic crisis and major personal crises for millions of Americans across this country to score political points. As a veteran, I’m tired of being used, I’m tired of being a pawn. So we’re here to ask Rep. Stefanik one final time to promise to her constituents back off our hard-earned benefits and stop playing politics with our livelihoods.”

Wanda Willingham, an Albany County Legislator:

• “When we talk about stripping Americans of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid we’re not just talking about taking away critical benefits that help our seniors and those in need, it means we’re impacting whole families—sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who help to care for their loved ones receiving services. […] The intergenerational impact of these cuts will devastate communities, especially those that have been historically underserved and marginalized, plain and simple.”
• “These selfish cuts will make it even harder for seniors and children and veterans to flourish economically. […] We will not stand by as leadership in the House gives away the benefits that average Americans have rightfully earned.”

Gabriella Romero, an Albany Common Council member:

• “I can foresee the absolutely devastating effect that cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid would do for our already struggling community. [..] MAGA Republicans are trying to push this dangerous agenda to score political points within their party. It’s unclear to me what exactly they’re doing, but it is clear that they’re not prioritizing working families.”
• “What [this] means for you and I is the loss of six million jobs, our elders losing Social Security checks, veterans losing their VA benefits, and prices for everyday essential items would skyrocket. That’s not right. […] Protect our hard-earned benefits and stop playing politics with our lives.”

Joanne Dittes Yepsen, former mayor of Saratoga Springs:

• “To those members of Congress still looking to push a dangerous agenda that would put this economy in a devastating state, and an agenda that does not include the American way. […] Instead of playing politics with our livelihoods, we invite you to take the positive and productive and popular path forward [by] signing a promise to always protect our proud American benefits.”

Danielle Hindieh, a Courage for America council member from New York:

• “Some in Congress are refusing to pay bills America already owes. As a result, programs such as Social Security and Medicare are in jeopardy. Defaulting on our debts would mean strict cuts to programs that protect veterans, seniors, teachers, health care workers, and millions of other Americans. These are protections for the people these congressmen and women swore to serve.”
• “If Congress defaults on America’s debts, the results will be catastrophic. […] We are asking Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and other House members to pledge to protect our hard-earned benefits and to not default on America’s debt obligations.”

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Advocates Ramp Up Pressure on MAGA Republicans Ahead of Potential Default Crisis and McCarthy’s 100th Day

ALBANY, NY — Today (4/12) at 10 AM ET, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America will host a press conference with local advocates in Albany, NY at the State Capitol to call on Representative Stefanik to promise her constituents that she will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

NOTE: Rep. Stefanik’s constituents invited her to attend the event and make this promise to their constituents, but they did not hear back from the office. 

Constituents of Rep. Stefanik will join Courage for America council members and allies to shine a light on how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country towards a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

RSVP For the Press Conference Here

PRESS CONFERENCE AT NEW YORK STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

• WHO: 
  • Danielle Hindieh, Courage for America councilmember
  • Wanda Willingham, County Legislator
  • Gabriella Romero, Common Defense councilmember
  • Katherine Betzinger, NY-21 resident and town chair of Brunswick
  • Joanne Dittes Yepsen, former local elected official
  • Additional constituents and community leaders from NY-21
• WHEN: Today, April 12 at 10 AM ET (check-in begins at 9:30 AM ET) 
• WHERE: State Capitol Building, West Capitol Park, State St. and, Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12224

 

** B-ROLL AND PHOTO VISUAL: “Back Off Our Benefits” branded bus, signs being held by individuals; large “empty promise” placard; local community members speaking; campaign members wearing Courage for America t-shirts and sweatshirts**

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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)

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America joined local advocates at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building to demand that Representative Scott Perry (PA-10) 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 of Rep. Perry joined advocates from The 99% Pennsylvania and Keystone Research Center to highlight how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country towards a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

For photos, videos, and more, visit our Press Kit and Facebook. Event photos and videos will continue to be updated as they are available.
For additional information or to speak with a spokesperson or event speaker, contact [email protected].

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

WATCH EVENT HERE

FULL EVENT AUDIO HERE

EVENT PHOTOS HERE 

Here’s what speakers had to say about MAGA lawmakers’ extreme agenda:

Moises Montalvo, a U.S. Army veteran and Common Defense member:

• “We’re here today calling on extreme members of the Republican Party—the Republican House majority specifically, including Rep. Scott Perry—to sign onto a promise that they must protect the essential benefits that Americans rely on and stop playing political games with the default crisis.”
• “His own constituents asked Rep. Perry to join us here today to make that promise, but as you can see his signature is not there and he hasn’t even responded.”
• “House Republicans, including Rep. Perry, are risking a major global economic crisis and personal crises all across this nation for millions of Americans to score political points.”

Rev. Sandy Strauss, an ordained Presbyterian minister, a PA-10 constituent, and retiree:

• “[I’m here] to send a clear message to Rep. Scott Perry: Do not play games with our country’s economy and the benefits that millions of Americans—and thousands of your own constituents—depend on.”
• “Rep. Perry, I join my friends and colleagues here to say: do not hold our economy hostage. Sign the promise to constituents that I and others have sent to your office. It is your constituents and millions of other Americans who will pay the price if you fail to vote in favor of paying our nation’s bills and vote for cutting essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. It’s time for you to stop prioritizing America’s wealthiest citizens and start prioritizing the health and welfare of the vast majority of Americans who paid their dues for decades.”

Maisum Murtaza, a PA-10 constituent:

• “If elected officials like Scott Perry continue to go down the path of cutting benefits like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other support programs, it has the potential to severely damage Pennsylvania’s economy right now, but also have long-term effects on the new generation of the workforce.”
• “Rep. Scott Perry needs to back off our benefits and protect the hard working Americans that have made this economy recover in the last few years, especially as we still recover from the COVID pandemic. I believe that cutting benefits would lead to huge long-term effects on the economic health of Pennsylvania.”

Harriet Ellenberger, a representative of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans:

• “Scott Perry has a zero percent voting record on senior issues for the last two years. […] Congressman Perry: Just sign the promise, help the seniors and help the people in your district.”

 

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Advocates Ramp Up Pressure on MAGA Republicans Ahead of Potential Default Crisis and McCarthy’s 100th Day

HARRISBURG, PA — Today (4/11) at 10:30 AM EDT, as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America will host a press conference with local advocates at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to call on Representative Perry to promise his constituents that he will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

Constituents of Rep. Perry and advocates from The 99% Pennsylvania and Keystone Research Center will join Courage for America council members and allies to shine a light on how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country toward a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

RSVP For the Press Conference Here

PRESS CONFERENCE AT PENNSYLVANIA STATE CAPITOL

• WHO: 
  • Rev. Sandy Strauss, constituent and retiree
  • Maisum Murtaza, PA-10 constituent
  • Moises Montalvo, Army Veteran and Common Defense member
  • Chad Flannery, Common Defense Marine Veteran
  • Additional constituents and community leaders from PA-10
• WHEN: TODAY (4/11) at 10:30 AM EDT (check-in begins at 10 AM EDT)
• WHERE: Pennsylvania State Capitol at 560 Commonwealth Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17125

** B-ROLL AND PHOTO VISUAL: “Back Off Our Benefits” branded bus, signs being held by individuals; large “empty promise” placard; local community members speaking; campaign members wearing Courage for America t-shirts and sweatshirts **

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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.

For photos, videos, and more, visit our Press Kit and Facebook. Event photos and videos will continue to be updated as they are available.

For additional information or to speak with a spokesperson or event speaker, contact [email protected].

Raleigh City Council member Christina Jones joins Courage for America to demand Rep. Hudson “Back Off Our Benefits.” 

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

WATCH EVENT HERE

FULL EVENT AUDIO HERE

EVENT PHOTOS HERE 

Lisette Rodriguez, a community organizer and co-founder of Fayetteville Freedom for All, speaks at Courage for America’s “Back Off Our Benefits” event in Raleigh.

Laura Packard, a Courage for America spokesperson and executive director of Health Care Voter:

• “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.”

• “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:

• “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:

• “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:

• “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?”

• “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:

• “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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Advocates Ramp Up Pressure on MAGA Republicans Ahead of Potential Default Crisis and McCarthy’s 100th Day

RALEIGH, NC — Today (4/8) at 1 PM ET as part of its nationwide “Back Off Our Benefits” bus tour, Courage for America will host a press conference with local advocates at Bicentennial Plaza to call on Representative Richard Hudson to promise his constituents that he will not cut essential programs that Americans rely on — including Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.

Constituents of Rep. Hudson will join Courage for America council members and allies to shine a light on how MAGA lawmakers’ political games are pushing the country towards a default crisis at the expense of American seniors, veterans, and children.

The group will also be stopping by Rep. Hudson’s Fayetteville district office to ask him directly to sign the promise to his constituents that he won’t cut their hard-earned benefits.

NOTE: Rep. Hudson’s constituents invited him to attend the event and make this promise to his constituents, but they did not hear back from his office. 

RSVP For the Press Conference Here

PRESS CONFERENCE AT BICENTENNIAL PLAZA

• WHO: 
  • Laura Packard, Courage for America spokesperson and executive director of Health Care Voter
  • Moises Montalvo, Army Veteran and Common Defense member
  • Nique Williams, Common Defense member
  • Christina Jones, Raleigh City Council member
  • Lisette Rodriguez, musician, activist, community organizer, and co-founder of Fayetteville Freedom for All
  • Judy Coggins, member of CWA Retirees and NC Alliance for Retired Americans
  • Chad Flannery, Common Defense Marine Veteran
  • Additional constituents and community leaders from NC-09
• WHEN: Tomorrow, April 8, at 1 PM ET (check-in begins at 12:30 PM ET)
• WHERE: Bicentennial Plaza 1 E Edenton St., Raleigh, NC 27601 

** B-ROLL AND PHOTO VISUAL: “Back Off Our Benefits” branded bus, signs being held by individuals; large “empty promise” placard; local community members speaking; campaign members wearing Courage for America t-shirts and sweatshirts**

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