Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner has issued the following statement on the passage of the federal Republican budget bill.

“While Congressional Republicans pat themselves on the back for engineering yet another giveaway to the exceedingly wealthy, Iowans are bracing for the harsh consequences of this economically devastating bill,” Sen. Weiner (D-Iowa City) said.

“Iowa’s rural hospitals and nursing homes, many already teetering on the brink, may be forced to close their doors for good,” Sen. Weiner said. “Additionally, estimates show that more than 113,000 Iowans would lose access to the health insurance on which they rely, thanks to this disastrous legislation.” 

“As if the cost of living wasn’t high enough already, this bill will cut access to food assistance, increase household energy costs, and make it harder for Iowans to afford college,” Sen. Weiner said. 

“These are just a few examples of the way this bill will hurt average Iowans while rewarding the wealthy.”