Vancouver ralliers: Cutting Social Security 'really horrible'

VANCOUVER, Wash (KOIN) -- Jan Gonzalez stood in the rain across from the Fred Meyer on Fourth Plain to make it plain to federal leaders: Hands off Social Security.

"We've worked all our lives to have these benefits. We've paid into Social Security and now they want to cut, and they want to cut benefits and everything. And at a time when everybody is really struggling, I think it's a really horrible thing to do," Gonzalez said.

She joined dozens of others in the rally to share their views about the potential massive cuts to Medicaid and Social Security.

House Republicans are pushing for roughly $880 billion in spending cuts over the next decade, primarily from programs like Medicaid. It's a part of President Donald Trump's 'big bill.' Supporters say the savings from the bill could offset trillions in tax breaks and reduce a national deficit.

But critics of the bill, like Oregon US Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, say this could come at a cost for vulnerable communities.

"All the changes they are doing are going to make it harder for people to get access to healthcare," Bonamici told KOIN 6 News. "If it's harder for them to get their healthcare, they put off getting their primary care. They get their healthcare in the emergency rooms. They have worse outcomes, and it's more expensive. So, I'm going to do everything I can to fight against these proposed changes."

Republicans are on a tight two-week deadline.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is pushing for this bill to be passed by Memorial Day. Bonamici said she hopes to find out more once her Republican colleagues start discussing the bill this week.

But Jan Gonzalez is having none of it.

"I've been working since I was 15-16 years old. And so, I don't want anything cut. It's really important. I think we really need to stand up. I really don't believe this is what people really did vote for."