Federal Funding Cuts Dominate Jayapal’s Town Hall
India-West Staff Reporter
SEATTLE, WA – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal hosted a packed town hall in Northwest Seattle this week, as she returned to Washington state during the congressional recess to address concerns over federal funding cuts, particularly those targeting Medicaid. Hundreds of constituents gathered to voice their anxieties about potential changes to critical programs, including Medicaid and Social Security, which have been threatened by the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts.
“People are scared,” the Democrat said to the crowd. “They see Republicans in Washington, D.C., working to strip away their healthcare and security, and they want to know how they can fight back.” Jayapal reassured the audience that she would continue to advocate against these cuts, emphasizing her commitment to hosting town halls and staying connected with her constituents, even as some Republican lawmakers avoid similar events.
The looming cuts to Medicaid are particularly concerning for Washington residents, as the state’s reliance on federal funding for healthcare services is at risk. Jayapal acknowledged the deep fear that many have regarding their access to healthcare, with many residents unsure of what the future holds if the Trump administration’s proposals move forward.
The Congresswoman’s visit also included meetings with healthcare professionals at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, where concerns were raised about the impact of federal funding cuts on medical research. Scientists at the center warned that reduced funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could endanger important breakthroughs in cancer treatment. “The work being done here saves lives,” Jayapal emphasized. “We cannot allow political agendas to stand in the way of groundbreaking research.”
At Sea Mar Community Health Centers, which serves a large number of Medicaid recipients, administrators discussed the compounded uncertainty felt by patients who are not only concerned about losing their medical coverage but also fear the implications of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. “Patients are facing fear on multiple fronts,” one administrator noted.
Jayapal also met with labor and immigrant rights advocates, stressing the urgency of defending vulnerable communities against policies she described as harmful and divisive. The Congresswoman further spoke to students and faculty at Shoreline Community College, where funding for programs supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander students is at risk due to federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
“These conversations remind me why I fight every day,” Jayapal said.
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