Chair Zahilay Issues Statement on Passage of Disastrous Trump Legislation

July 3, 2025

King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay issued the following statement today after the House narrowly passed H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—by a vote of 218–214. The bill now heads to the President’s desk, likely to be signed.

“It's shameful that just before Independence Day, when we should be reflecting on the principles of freedom, equality, and opportunity our country was founded upon, today's actions undermine those very ideals. This bill will hurt our community deeply. These are real people's lives we're talking about, right here in King County.

“This legislation isn't about progress; it's about cutting health care, nutrition, and our social safety nets to fund tax breaks primarily benefiting the wealthiest Americans. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this bill will increase the national debt by $4 trillion by 2034 and strip health insurance from around 17 million Americans, including many in Washington State.

“Nearly half a million people in King County rely on Medicaid. This bill cuts Medicaid by nearly $1 trillion nationwide over the next decade while imposing harsh work requirements and reducing provider payments. This means fewer people covered, less reimbursement for doctors, and our King County public health clinics becoming even more strained at a time when we urgently need them.

“About 13,000 people in King County rely on Planned Parenthood for reproductive healthcare services, and defunding this provider means they could lose critical access to care.

“Additionally, SNAP faces historic cuts of roughly $150 to $200 billion, directly harming thousands of King County families who depend on this vital assistance to put food on their tables.

“More than 14,000 households in King County rely on housing vouchers. Today's vote slashed the HUD budget, caps vouchers, and freezes waiting lists, putting these families at increased risk of homelessness during our local homelessness crisis.

“Harborview Medical Center, the only Level 1 trauma center serving our entire region, could lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually in Medicaid support. This will severely impact emergency and trauma care services precisely when our community needs them the most.

“Our social services are already at their limits. Emergency shelters, mental health programs, and local clinics are all under extreme pressure, and these cuts will push them beyond their breaking point.

“This bill directly harms working families and vulnerable communities. But we won't just stand by. Right now, we are actively assessing budget impacts, exploring revenue options, and working closely with nonprofits and community partners. We will do everything we can to protect residents who rely on these critical services.

“King County has faced tough challenges before, and we've overcome them together. We will do it again.”