Here are my concerns regarding the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which introduces new work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries. While the premise of encouraging employment may seem reasonable on the surface, the legislation is based on the faulty assumption that those receiving benefits simply do not want to work.

In reality, two-thirds of Americans living in poverty are already working multiple jobs yet still cannot afford healthcare or sufficient food. This bill fails to address the root causes of poverty, such as the lack of living-wage jobs, affordable housing, reliable transportation, and childcare—all of which are essential for maintaining stable employment.

Furthermore, the legislation proposes a $186 billion cut to SNAP funding through 2034. With the rising cost of groceries, many recipients are already struggling to survive on approximately $2.80 per meal per day. These cuts, combined with new requirements, risk leaving millions without any nutritional assistance. We are already seeing the impact: in March 2026 alone, 20,000 Oregonians lost healthcare access, and three million Americans nationally have lost SNAP benefits. Consequently, food banks are reporting record demand that they simply cannot meet.

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" targets the symptoms rather than the systemic issues facing our neighbors. I urge you to reconsider the implications of this bill and focus on solutions that address the actual barriers to economic stability.