Updated April 2023
What Would Republicans’ Budget Cuts Mean For You?
Republicans in the House of Representatives are planning major cuts to government programs and services. In January, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, asked federal agencies to estimate the impact Republicans’ plans would have on the public. Agencies’ responses describe how Republican-proposed cuts would harm workers, seniors, children, and more. This fact sheet details just a few of those harms.
IMPACTS ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Under Republicans’ plan…
Almost 1.2 million women, infants, and children would lose nutrition assistance through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
More than 200,000 children from low-income families would lose their Head Start slots, making it harder for them to succeed at school long-term.
More than 100,000 children would lose their childcare, potentially forcing their parents out of work or school to care for them.
Staffing cuts at USDA would force food production to plummet, resulting in food shortages and grocery price spikes. Specifically, more than 11.5 billion pounds of meat, an additional 11.1 billion pounds of poultry, and over 590 million pounds of egg products would be lost.
IMPACTS ON HEALTH AND SAFETY
Under Republicans’ plan…
The 988 Suicide Lifeline would lose the capacity to respond to people in crisis, and almost 1 million people in a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis would be unable to access support.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration would only be able to inspect century-old hazardous liquid and natural gas pipeline facilities and liquified natural gas export facilities once a decade. According to DOT, fewer inspections increase “the likelihood of incidents, including those causing death and/or injury.”
Between 2,200 and 2,700 wildland firefighters would be furloughed, despite intensifying wildfires
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IMPACTS ON SENIORS
Under Republicans’ plan…
Nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels would cut services to more than 1 million senior citizens—taking away what is, for some seniors, their only meal of the day.
Nearly 40 percent of health and safety checks at nursing homes and home health agencies would cease, potentially leaving seniors in unsanitary conditions.
Staff cuts at the Social Security Administration would lead to field office closures, reduced hours, and longer wait times for claims and benefits assistance.
IMPACTS ON WORKERS
Under Republicans’ plan…
The DOL would lose the capacity to recoup back wages that employers owe workers, resulting in approximately $156 million less in back wages for 135,000 workers, an average of over $1,000 per worker.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration would conduct 10,800 fewer workplace inspections, potentially forcing workers to remain in unsafe environments and prolonging their exposure to harmful chemicals, excessive heat, and workplace violence.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration would be unable to complete 4,400 mine inspections.
IMPACTS ON HOUSING
Under Republicans’ plan…
640,000 families would lose rental assistance. On average, families receiving this assistance make just $15,000 a year.
Public housing maintenance would deteriorate significantly, exposing families and children to mold and lead-based paint hazards. Childhood lead exposure can cause hearing and speech issues, learning and behavioral problems, and slowed growth and development.
More than 24,000 people would lose homelessness assistance services like rapid rehousing, forcing thousands more people to sleep on the streets.
IMPACTS ON TRANSPORTATION
Under Republicans’ plan…
The Federal Railroad Administration would inspect 30,000 fewer miles of track each year, risking more catastrophic train derailments like the one in East Palestine, Ohio.
The Federal Aviation Administration would shut down 125 air traffic control towers, resulting in ⅓ of U.S. airports losing air traffic control safeguards and increasing the risk of plane collisions after near-misses this year.
The Transportation Security Administration would reduce the number of TSA agents, leading to longer wait times at airport security—including 2+ hour waits at major airports. 2