After the U.S. Senate passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill, Colorado Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) returned to Capitol Hill with a heavy heart and an urgent message. In an emotional video shared from the Capitol, Pettersen—her voice hoarse and eyes welling—spoke out against the legislation she called “disastrous” for Colorado and millions of Americans.
“We were forced back here to vote on this disastrous budget proposal,” she said, referring to the House being called into session just before the July 4 recess. “It’s hard to hold back the tears with how bad this bill really is—the impact it will make in Colorado, especially in rural Colorado.”
What’s in the Bill—and Why It Matters
The controversial bill, pushed through by President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), includes deep cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and other federally supported programs, triggering strong backlash from health and social service advocates nationwide.
Pettersen emphasized that these cuts would decimate rural hospitals, undercut care for families, and raise premiums in the private insurance market due to rising uncompensated care costs. “Millions of families rely on this,” she said, “and now they’ll be left without the care they need.”
Medicaid in Colorado: The Real-World Impact
According to data from KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), more than 1.1 million Coloradans are currently enrolled in Medicaid:
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36% are children
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15% live in rural areas
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11% have three or more chronic conditions
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75% of adults enrolled are employed (46% full-time, 29% part-time)
These numbers reflect the critical role Medicaid plays in communities across the state, particularly for working families and those with limited access to health care.
A Narrow Vote—and Rising Frustration
Despite Pettersen’s and others’ opposition, the House passed the bill 218–214, with just two Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie (KY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)—breaking ranks to vote against it, as they had with the earlier version in May.
Pettersen’s tearful video captured what many Democrats have described as growing fear and urgency over the real-world consequences of the legislation.
What Comes Next
With the bill now headed for President Trump’s signature, state leaders like Governor Jared Polis and health officials warn that Colorado may lose up to $1 billion in funding and be forced to make steep cuts or hike costs elsewhere.
Pettersen’s message was clear: this is not just politics—it’s personal. For the thousands of families in Colorado facing uncertainty, the fight over health care access and affordability is far from over.
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