NCJW Decries US Senate Budget Reconciliation Package Stripping Food, Health Care, Other Critical Assistance From Millions of Americans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, June 29, 2025
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Jewish women’s group slams cuts to critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP; urges Congress to pass moral budget that funds basic needs programs and prioritizes women, children, and families
WASHINGTON, DC — As the US Senate debates a budget bill which slashes critical programs for millions of Americans and devastates the millions of women, children, and families relying on those programs — Darcy Hirsh, senior director of government relations and advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), one of the nation’s leading Jewish feminist civil rights organizations, representing 250,000 advocates from across the country, released the following statement:
“Every budget is a moral document; how we choose to spend our money reflects our values and our vision for society. The Senate’s reconciliation package is one firmly lacking in morals, in empathy, and in compassion. And for us, as Jewish advocates grounded in our religious values, it lacks a central truth we live by — V’Ahavta Lereiacha Kamocha — to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
“Right now, the Senate is debating a budget that will cause even more women to die and more children to go hungry. Instead of working to improve the devastating House bill they received, their bill razes Medicaid and SNAP and strips away the basic lifelines millions rely on — just to give billionaires more tax breaks. At a time when families are struggling, costs are skyrocketing, and millions of families don’t know where their next meal will come from, lawmakers should be focused on the needs of working families struggling paycheck to paycheck.
“Americans need a budget that will lower costs for hardworking families, support the tired and hungry among us, and ensure that women, children, and families have the lifelines they need to thrive. Americans need and deserve a government interested in supporting them to success.
“Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, public education programs, and other essentials have never been at greater risk. This morally bankrupt budget must never become law, and NCJW and our 250,000 advocates will do everything we can to push for a values-based, principled alternative.”
NCJW provided a vote recommendation to senators, which can be found here.
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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 132-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to effect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.