Congressman Danny K. Davis launches Hands Off Social Security and Medicaid

Speech by Congressman Danny K. Davis

“Hands Off Social Security and Medicaid” Petition Launch – May 4, 2025

Good morning, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, advocates and defenders of justice,

We are gathered here today to sound the alarm — and to raise our collective voice for what is right, what is earned, and what must never be taken away.

Across this country, tens of millions of Americans rely on Social Security and Medicaid not just as programs — but as lifelines.

These aren’t handouts.These aren’t favors.These are earned benefits — paid for through a lifetime of work, care, and contribution.

The Threat Is RealAnd yet, here we are again.Former President Donald Trump and House Republicans are once again proposing dangerous policies:- Raising the retirement age to 69- Cutting monthly Social Security benefits- Privatizing Medicare and Medicaid- Shrinking the safety net that so many of our families depend on

Let me be crystal clear:I will not stop.I will not back down.And I will not be silent — until these proposals are stopped in their tracks.

The Numbers Speak for ThemselvesLet’s talk about the facts:- Nationally, over 67 million people receive Social Security.- Over 80 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid.- In Illinois, more than 2.2 million people rely on Social Security, and 3.3 million are on Medicaid.- And right here in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, more than 82,000 of our neighbors receive Social Security benefits.

That’s our seniors.That’s our people with disabilities.That’s our veterans.That’s our caregivers and low-income families.That’s our future.

A Petition. A Movement. A Mission.Today, we’re launching a national petition drive to collect 100,000+ signatures — not just from Illinois, but from every corner of this nation.

And I’m asking YOU to take part.- Sign it.- Send it.- Share it.Send it to your friends, your relatives, your neighbors, your church members, your co-workers — anyone who believes that America should keep its promises.

Visit www.dannykdavis.com/handsoffPassword: congress

This Is Our Call to ActionWe are not powerless.We are not alone.We are millions strong, and we are ready.

I will keep speaking out in the halls of Congress.I will keep marching with you in the streets.And I will keep fighting — until President Trump and House Republicans understand that these programs are not theirs to take.They belong to the people.

So I say to every voter, every parent, every elder and every young person —Let’s rise together.Let’s sign this petition.Let’s defend what we’ve earned.

Hands off Social Security.Hands off Medicaid.Hands off our future.

Thank you, God bless you, and let’s get to work.