"The bill expected to be signed into law by President Trump later today will hurt New Jerseyans at every level. From working families trying to make ends meet to seniors on fixed incomes, it directly undermines the progress we’ve made to make our state more affordable, more fair, and more secure.

"Among so many morally wrong choices in this bill, I am especially discouraged to see such disregard for a program as life-sustaining as SNAP. Feeding those in need is a test of our shared humanity and it should never be treated as fodder for a political agenda. With the stroke of a pen, millions of Americans are now at risk of having food taken off their dinner tables in order to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. It’s a cruel and backward choice that punishes those who need help the most.

"Beyond the devastating cuts to SNAP, the bill does even more damage. It wipes out the incredible progress that provided affordable health insurance for millions. Seniors, children, and mothers will go without care, jeopardizing lives, increasing costs for everybody, and financially crushing healthcare providers such as primary care doctors, hospitals, nursing homes as well as state government budgets.

"These devastating cuts to food security, healthcare, and energy assistance to name a few are simply irreplaceable and beyond the sustainable scale of our state budget and that of our taxpayers. I could not be more disappointed in New Jersey’s Republican Congressional Delegation for failing New Jersey’s 9.5 million residents and turning their backs on our shared Jersey values.

"Despite such discouraging news, I’m reminded of the importance of our work. Our leadership in the area of affordability and standing up for the most vulnerable has never wavered. I stand with those across New Jersey and our country who are afraid, angry, and rightfully demanding answers, and remain committed to protecting what matters most."