Nebraska Voters Slam GOP Tax and Medicaid Bill in Fiery Town Hall/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rep. Mike Flood faced an angry, mostly Democratic crowd in Lincoln, Nebraska, over his support for President Trump’s new tax and spending bill. The law’s Medicaid cuts and tax breaks for the wealthy sparked boos and chants during the 90-minute town hall. Flood defended the legislation while acknowledging its imperfections, insisting it protects Medicaid.
Nebraska Rep. Flood Faces Heat Over Trump Tax Cuts – Quick Looks
- Rep. Mike Flood confronted backlash at a raucous Lincoln town hall
- Over 700 people booed his support of Trump’s tax and spending bill
- Law includes deep Medicaid cuts, tax breaks favoring wealthy Americans
- Flood defended the bill, saying it “protects Medicaid for the future”
- Audience responded with chants like “Tax the rich”
- Flood asked about work requirements for Medicaid recipients, met with opposition
- The bill passed with no Democratic support in Congress
- Republicans have avoided town halls; Flood’s was a rare exception
- Trump claims bill boosts the economy; Democrats call it unfair and harmful
- Flood’s district includes the University of Nebraska, a Democratic-leaning area
Deep Look: Flood Faces Angry Voters Over GOP Tax Law in Heated Nebraska Town Hall
LINCOLN, Neb. — In a fiery and tension-filled town hall on Monday, Rep. Mike Flood faced a loud and frustrated crowd as he defended his vote in favor of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending reduction law. The event, held at the University of Nebraska’s Kimball Recital Hall, drew a mostly Democratic audience of around 700 constituents — many of whom came specifically to voice outrage over cuts to Medicaid and what they see as tax giveaways to the wealthy.
Boos and Chants Over GOP Legislation
Flood, a second-term Republican representing a traditionally conservative district, repeatedly found himself shouted down during his 90-minute exchange with voters. The crowd responded to his defense of the law with boos, chants, and pointed questions, especially when he insisted the legislation “protects Medicaid for the future.”
“We protected Medicaid,” Flood said — only to be met with a wave of jeers from attendees.
Despite efforts to explain the bill’s provisions, Flood couldn’t escape criticism over the law’s uneven tax cuts and the perceived harm to low-income Americans relying on public assistance programs.
A Rare Republican Town Hall on a Controversial Bill
Republican leadership has largely discouraged public town halls since the bill’s passage, wary of negative optics and growing backlash. Flood’s decision to appear publicly in a Democratic-heavy college town bucks that trend, but it may cost him politically.
Audience members repeatedly shouted “Tax the rich” as Flood explained the bill’s tax policy, which he claimed would benefit the middle class — a view not shared by many in the room.
Work Requirements and Medicaid Cuts Under Fire
Flood stirred further debate by questioning the audience on Medicaid’s work requirements.
“Do you think able-bodied Americans should be required to work?” he asked.
The crowd responded with loud opposition, prompting Flood to assert:
“I don’t think a majority of Nebraskans agree with that.”
This exchange captured the central divide over the legislation, which includes requirements for certain Medicaid recipients to work or seek employment — a measure critics say unfairly penalizes vulnerable groups.
Audience Grills Flood on Broader Trump Agenda
While the focus was the tax-and-spending bill, many attendees raised broader concerns with Flood about immigration enforcement, cuts to education, and layoffs in the federal government under Trump. Several voters accused Flood and his party of undermining working-class Americans while shielding the rich.
Dozens lined up to speak at the microphone, some with personal stories about Medicaid, others questioning Flood’s alignment with Trump’s broader agenda. His responses often drew more heckling than support.
A Bill With High Stakes Ahead of Midterms
The law — passed with zero Democratic support — slashes Medicaid spending, cuts corporate taxes, and extends tax breaks predominantly for high-income earners. Republicans, including Trump, argue it will stimulate economic growth, but critics call it a gift to the wealthy at the expense of the poor and middle class.
How voters respond to this legislation could shape the outcome of next year’s midterm elections. The GOP currently holds narrow control of both chambers, and backlash in swing districts like Flood’s could tip the balance.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Flood remained composed, occasionally engaging with critics but firmly standing by his vote.
“I know this bill isn’t perfect,” he said. “But I believe it puts us on a path toward fiscal responsibility and long-term stability.”
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