CHICAGO — Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that will make health care more expensive and hurt working families across the country. In response, Anabel Mendoza, a lifelong Chicagoan, daughter of immigrants, and the youngest candidate running for Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, issued the following statement:

“Last night’s vote represents a profound failure of leadership. People across Chicago are struggling. Families are rationing medications, seniors are losing critical support, and communities are left wondering whether anyone in D.C. is actually fighting for them. With this passage, Congress just rubber-stamped legislation that ignores every one of those realities. The Senate Democrats, including Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois—who paved the way for this bill—should be ashamed of themselves for giving up any leverage they had and cowering to Trump’s playbook.  

“Chicago doesn’t need more party loyalists protecting their own careers and wallets. We need fighters who understand that every day Trump is dismantling our rights and consolidating power for himself. If I had been in Congress today, I would have voted ‘hell no’ on this betrayal bill and held the line until a real solution was reached that puts working families first. This moment demands leaders who understand there is no compromise when it comes to ensuring our communities have access to both food and health care.” 

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Anabel Mendoza is a community organizer, immigrant advocate, and the youngest candidate running for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District. A lifelong Chicagoan and the proud daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, she has dedicated her career to fighting for working families, immigrant rights, and a government that serves people, not corporations. She’s running to bring unity, honesty, and courage to Washington. For more information, visit www.anabelforcongress.com.