Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered strong criticism on Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s proposed budget plan, focusing on its potential impact on health care and low-income assistance programs. The New York Democrat referred to the budget as the “We’re All Going to Die Act,” pointing to significant cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs.
Schumer’s remarks were in response to both the content of the proposal and a comment made earlier by Senator Joni Ernst during a town hall meeting. When asked about the consequences of the budget’s health care cuts, Ernst responded, “Well, we all are going to die,” a statement that quickly drew attention and has since become central to Democratic messaging against the plan.
Standing before reporters at the Capitol, Schumer argued that the proposed budget reflects misplaced priorities, saying it favors tax breaks for the wealthy while putting essential services for vulnerable Americans at risk. “For many Americans, health care coverage is the difference between life and death,” Schumer said. He referenced Ernst’s comment again, adding, “According to Ernst, ‘Fear not. We’re going to die anyway.’ Tell that, the American people have heard. Let me be clear. Democrats are ready. We are ready to fight.”
The proposed budget includes broad spending cuts across a range of federal programs, with Medicaid expected to see some of the steepest reductions. According to a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the plan could result in as many as 16 million Americans losing their health coverage if enacted. Democrats say this would disproportionately affect seniors, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.
In his remarks, Schumer warned Republican lawmakers that they would face political backlash if they supported the budget. “And when public sentiment hears about this ‘We’re All Going to Die Act,’ they’re going to hate it, and they’re going to tell their senators they hate it,” he said. “And if the senators think they can get away with a yes vote and explain it, they’re sadly mistaken. The cuts are too deep. The cuts are too real. The cuts are too devastating for people.”
UNHINGED: @SenSchumer says “WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE” if we pass the largest tax cut in history, block illegals from taxpayer-funded health care, and cut the deficit.
These are NOT serious people. pic.twitter.com/AFeiDuaYjR
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 4, 2025
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged that discussions are ongoing among Republicans, with an aim to vote on the budget before the July 4th recess. Thune did not directly respond to Schumer’s criticisms but emphasized that the GOP is focused on reducing federal spending and promoting economic growth. He noted that the bill is still under negotiation and could see revisions before a final vote.
The budget debate comes amid broader national conversations about health care access, economic recovery, and the federal deficit. Both parties are working to shape public opinion as the summer legislative season approaches, and the outcome of the budget fight could influence political momentum heading into the next election cycle.
Doesn’t this act get old?
Everyone was going to die if we repealed net neutrality. Passing a Georgia law that expanded voter access was going to bring back segregation. Passing tax cuts will kill everyone.
Even the emotional value is gone because no one takes it seriously. https://t.co/nZ8fQUt4yI
— AG (@AGHamilton29) June 4, 2025
As negotiations continue, both sides appear to be bracing for a contentious battle. Democrats are positioning themselves as defenders of health care protections, while Republicans stress fiscal responsibility and a need to curb government spending. For now, the fate of the budget remains uncertain, with the July 4 deadline serving as the next major milestone in the legislative calendar.
