FACT CHECK: Why Do Americans Celebrate July 4th?

FACT CHECK: Why Do Americans Celebrate July 4th?

In today’s The Josh Lafazan Show, we’re diving into a devastating betrayal that’s threatening the very fabric of our country. As we approach July 4th, a holiday that celebrates the unity and independence of our nation, we need to take a hard look at what’s happening in Washington. The Republican-backed bill that’s currently making its way through Congress will harm millions of Americans — cutting crucial programs like health care and food assistance, and leaving the most vulnerable members of our society at even greater risk.

This bill doesn’t just represent bad policy; it represents a fundamental betrayal of what our nation was built on — unity, care for one another, and equal opportunity for all. As we celebrate the independence of our country, we must acknowledge the reality of where we are right now: a nation deeply divided, where those in power are turning their backs on millions of Americans in need.

In this episode, I’ll break down the devastating consequences of this bill in five key segments, explaining exactly how it will affect Americans across the country. We’ll also discuss how this bill is a stark reminder of the direction we’re heading — one that undermines the values we celebrate every July 4th.

Segment 1: Health Care Cuts – The Attack on Medicaid and CHIP

The first major blow in this bill is the cuts to health care programs that millions of Americans rely on. Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) together cover millions of families, children, and seniors across the nation. These programs provide vital health care coverage to those who need it most — especially in low-income and rural areas. The cuts in this bill would strip away these lifelines, leaving millions without access to basic medical care. Pregnant women, children, seniors, and people with disabilities will be hit the hardest. 🏥❌

Without Medicaid and CHIP, many people will face higher medical bills, be unable to afford medications, or have to forgo treatments that could save their lives. The cost of prescription drugs will rise even further, and hospitals will be forced to reduce services, especially in underserved communities. This will only lead to worse health outcomes, and ultimately, higher costs for the entire healthcare system.

The cuts to Medicaid alone are a direct attack on those who depend on it for life-saving treatments. It's a policy that disregards the health of millions of Americans in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy and corporate interests.

Segment 2: Devastating Cuts to Food Assistance – A Threat to Families

Next, we’ll talk about the cuts to food assistance programs, which are a lifeline for low-income families across the country. The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cuts in this bill will reduce food benefits for millions of Americans, making it harder for families to afford the food they need to survive.

40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their children. The cuts would not only limit the amount of food assistance available but also restrict eligibility, meaning that even more families would be forced to go hungry. This will disproportionately affect children, seniors, and rural communities, where access to affordable food is already limited.

The economic effects of this are far-reaching. When families are unable to feed their children or provide enough nutritious meals, it has a long-term impact on their health, education, and economic mobility. This isn’t just about hunger today — it’s about creating a permanent cycle of poverty for generations to come. These cuts also put a strain on local food banks and community organizations that are already stretched thin.

Segment 3: The Broader Impact on Vulnerable Americans

Beyond health care and food assistance, this bill attacks the most vulnerable Americans in almost every area of their lives. From cuts to housing assistance to reduced access to education and job training, this bill strips away critical programs that help people lift themselves out of poverty and gain a better future. 💼💔

In particular, rural communities and low-income families will be hit hardest. Many of these areas already face limited access to health care, jobs, and educational opportunities, and the cuts in this bill will worsen these disparities. These communities will have even fewer resources to help their children succeed, build a better life, and contribute to the economy.

This bill also fails to address the growing income inequality in our nation, leaving those at the bottom even further behind while the wealthy continue to benefit from tax cuts. The American Dream — that anyone, regardless of their background, can work hard and succeed — is becoming increasingly out of reach for too many Americans.

Segment 4: A Betrayal of America’s Values – Where We Are Now

Finally, let’s talk about the bigger picture and what this bill represents for the future of our country. July 4th is a day meant to celebrate the unity of the American people, the idea that we are stronger together, and that everyone deserves a fair shot at success. But this bill shows the deep divisions in our country today. It attacks the very people who need support the most — from working families to the elderly — and puts corporate interests above the needs of ordinary Americans.

This isn’t just bad policy — it’s a fundamental betrayal of what makes America great. The very values that we celebrate on July 4th — unity, equality, and justice for all — are under attack. Instead of working to strengthen our nation and lift people up, this bill seeks to divide us further and leave millions behind.

It’s a reminder that, while we celebrate the ideals of freedom and equality this July 4th, we must recognize that the path ahead is not inevitable. We have the power to fight for a future where every American has access to health care, food security, and economic opportunity — but only if we stand together and demand change. 🇺🇸✊

Segment 5: The Economic Fallout – Cutting Investment in the Middle Class and Ballooning the Deficit

In addition to attacking critical social services, this bill will have devastating long-term effects on the U.S. economy. One of the biggest consequences of these cuts is the reduction in government investment that supports the middle class — and that investment is what drives economic growth and job creation. The government’s role in funding education, infrastructure, and social services creates a foundation for middle-class success, and these cuts will weaken that foundation. 🏗️💸

By slashing funding for essential services like education, public infrastructure, and job training programs, this bill directly undermines the potential of the American workforce. The middle class is the backbone of our economy, and the government’s investment in that workforce is what keeps it strong. When you cut funding to education and training, you reduce opportunities for people to advance in their careers, build a better future, and contribute to economic growth.

The Deficit Dilemma

Another critical issue with this bill is its impact on the national deficit. While the cuts to public services are deep, the tax breaks for the wealthy and large corporations remain intact. These tax cuts will not be paid for by the program reductions, leaving us with an exploding deficit that will burden future generations. The $4 trillion deficit forecasted from these cuts will only add to the already staggering national debt, putting us in a dangerous position for the future. 💰📉

Instead of investing in the middle class and supporting long-term growth, this bill prioritizes short-term cuts to vital services while pushing the financial burden onto the next generation. This isn’t sustainable, and it’s a recipe for economic decline. These policies may create temporary financial relief for the wealthiest Americans, but they will ultimately stifle economic mobility, hurt middle-class families, and slow overall growth.

If we continue down this path, we will see long-term economic stagnation. Cutting government investment in the middle class and leaving us with a massive deficit will result in higher taxes and more debt down the line, all while the wealth gap widens. This bill doesn’t just fail to address the real issues facing the economy — it sets us back and deepens the divide between the wealthy and the working class.

What We Need Instead

What we need right now is a budget that invests in the middle class — a budget that prioritizes education, job training, infrastructure, and health care, all while ensuring that our deficit is managed responsibly. Instead, this bill only deepens the divide, making life harder for the majority of Americans while inflating the deficit. It’s a policy that will hurt the very backbone of our economy: the working people who rely on public investment to succeed.

This bill is a recipe for economic disaster, and its long-term consequences will harm the country’s financial stability for generations to come. It’s time to stand up for the middle class and demand policies that will create real economic opportunities — not ones that weaken our nation’s economic foundation. 🔴

Conclusion: Standing Together for America’s Future

As we celebrate the birth of our nation and all the freedoms we hold dear, let’s remember that we are a nation of unity and compassion. This bill is a direct attack on those values, and it’s up to all of us to rise up and ensure that America continues to be a place where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or income.

Join me in this fight. Demand better from our leaders. Together, we can protect the health care, food assistance, and opportunity that every American deserves. Let’s make this July 4th about real unity — and not just a celebration of independence, but a call to action for a more just and equal nation.