Fairness for Iowa calls on Reps. Nunn and Miller-Meeks to oppose budget cuts targeting working Iowans

House Republicans spent the week in Florida plotting devastating funding cuts to food stamps, Medicaid, and other benefits Iowans rely on

DES MOINES –  While the White House created chaos this week with surprise cuts to federal programs, House Republicans met behind closed doors in Florida this week to discuss a budget plan that slashes essential social programs to fund massive tax handouts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy. Fairness for Iowa is calling on Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) to stand up for working class Iowans by rejecting these devastating cuts to Iowans’ benefits and opposing more tax breaks for those at the top. 

According to reports, House Republicans are considering up to $3 trillion in spending cuts, targeting vital programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—also known as SNAP or food stamps. This plan would directly harm Iowan communities—at a time when food prices are already high—while padding the pockets of the wealthiest Americans. 

Congressman Nunn, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, is in a key position to oppose cuts of up to $250 billion, including changes to the Thrifty Food Plan and harsh new work requirements – potentially jeopardizing food assistance for the 259,300 Iowans who rely on SNAP to put food on the table amidst historically high food prices. 

Meanwhile, Rep. Miller-Meeks sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which is considering up to $2 trillion in cuts, including per capita caps on Medicaid and strict work requirements. These proposals could strip health care access from the 678,107 low-income Iowans who currently rely on Medicaid.

“Nunn and Miller-Meeks must put their constituents before the rich and reject these cruel and short-sighted benefit cuts,” Progress Iowa Executive Director Matt Sinovic said. “While billionaires and corporations get massive tax breaks, Iowa families would be left struggling to put food on the table and access necessary health care. Hardworking Iowans should not be forced to bear the burden of giveaways to the wealthy few.”

It’s clear that President Trump's memo regarding cuts to federal grants—and indications that unilateral funding cuts by the administration will continue—was just a first attempt to pursue far-reaching cuts to programs and services Iowans rely on. Trump and Republicans in Congress intend to rip hard-earned benefits away from families, working Iowans, and veterans to give the ultra-rich and corporations even more tax breaks. 

“Iowans work hard to support our families, yet wages aren’t keeping up with rising costs of housing and food,” Mandi Remington, Director of the Corridor Community Action Network and Johnson County Supervisor said. “ As a single parent, I know firsthand how vital programs like Summer EBT are in ensuring no child goes hungry—but instead of expanding assistance, lawmakers are proposing harmful cuts to SNAP. We must demand better from our leaders and push for policies that prioritize families over corporate tax breaks."