By: Richard L. Smith
A coalition of civil rights leaders, labor organizers, and grassroots advocates is scheduled to gather today outside the Rodino Federal Building in Newark to urge members of the U.S. House of Representatives to vote down a sweeping federal budget bill recently passed by the Senate and strongly backed by former President Donald Trump.
The press conference, organized by the People’s Organization for Progress (POP), will take place at 11:00 a.m. at 970 Broad Street.
Several local officials are expected to speak, along with POP Chairman Lawrence Hamm, NAACP Newark President Deborah Smith-Gregory, and Charles Hall, president of Local 108 of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (UFCW). Other local activists and community leaders will also participate.
The event is part of a broader effort by advocacy groups to oppose H.R. 1, the bill that cleared the U.S. Senate on Tuesday in a 51–50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie. Officially titled the budget reconciliation bill, it has been dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill” by its supporters.
The legislation includes massive extensions to the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, with an estimated $4.5 trillion in tax breaks, many benefiting corporations and high-income earners.
To offset the cost, the bill proposes more than $1.2 trillion in cuts to programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and other public assistance initiatives.
It also allocates additional funding to defense spending and immigration enforcement efforts, including border security and the expansion of ICE operations.
Critics argue that the legislation disproportionately harms working-class families and low-income communities.
“This so-called ‘big, beautiful bill’ is in truth a monstrosity,” said Lawrence Hamm in a statement ahead of today’s event.
“Billionaires and millionaires may find it beautiful since it will increase their wealth. However, for the rest of us who will feel the pain of the social safety net cutbacks, it is a hideous and grotesque nightmare.”
Hamm and other speakers plan to urge residents to contact their congressional representatives and demand a “no” vote when the bill comes before the House later this week.
The legislation has triggered heated debate in Washington. Supporters claim it will jumpstart economic growth and strengthen national security, while opponents warn that the deep cuts to healthcare and food assistance could jeopardize vulnerable Americans.
The House is expected to take up the bill before the July 4th holiday recess, and its fate may come down to a handful of swing votes.
Today’s rally in Newark is one of several protests taking place across the country as advocacy organizations mobilize in opposition.
Organizers say public pressure is critical at this stage and encourage community members to make their voices heard.
For more information, the People’s Organization For Progress can be contacted at (973) 801-0001.