Health Workers Take to the Streets to Defend Critical Care Access
On July 1, a group of nurses gathered outside the downtown Corpus Christi office of U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Victoria), raising their voices in opposition to a sweeping GOP-backed budget reconciliation bill. Branded as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation proposes deep cuts to Medicaid, which nurses and advocates say would devastate millions of Americans relying on public healthcare coverage.
Nationwide Protest Reaches the Coastal Bend
Specifically, the rally in Corpus Christi was part of a nationwide action led by National Nurses United—the largest union of registered nurses in the United States. Across the country, healthcare workers, labor organizers, and residents joined together to call on lawmakers to oppose a bill that, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, would slash over $1 trillion from Medicaid funding.
Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans like “Some cuts don’t heal!” They emphasized the critical role Medicaid plays in providing healthcare for low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Several nurses entered Cloud’s office with messages demanding that he represent all constituents, not just the wealthy.
GOP Bill Advances in Senate, Returns to the House
After a weekend of deliberations, Republican senators passed the bill on July 1. The House will now review and reconcile the bill with its earlier versions. The proposed legislation would impose strict work requirements on Medicaid recipients and terminate coverage for those who fail to meet them.
Beginning January 1, 2029, adults aged 19 to 64 in the Medicaid expansion group would need to prove they work at least 80 hours per month—or participate in approved activities—to qualify for coverage. While exemptions exist for pregnant individuals, people with disabilities, caregivers, and others, critics say the burden of proof will still push many vulnerable people off the rolls.
Local Nurses Speak Out: ‘This Is an Assault on Our Patients’
Paul Hirvajosa, a registered nurse, stood before the crowd and made it clear: “We are here to demand that Rep. Cloud stand with his constituents and not turn his back on the most vulnerable.”
He warned that if the bill passes, nearly 16 million Americans could lose their healthcare, a figure that includes many emergency room patients who depend on Medicaid every day.
“Nurses are patient advocates,” Hirvajosa said. “We refuse to stand by quietly while they strip away access to care.”
Stories From the Frontlines of Care
Among those who addressed the crowd was Marisa Lugo, a veteran ICU nurse with more than 20 years of experience. She called the bill a reflection of misplaced priorities, favoring billionaires over public health.
“Our country is in critical condition,” Lugo said. “The fact that we are debating whether people deserve healthcare is beyond shameful.”
Teresa Klein, representing the American Association of University Professors and the Sierra Club’s Coastal Bend Group, recounted a personal experience highlighting how Medicaid provided assistance keep her father alive after he became too ill to run his dairy farm.
“My father had to spend down his life savings just to stay alive,” she said. “He wouldn’t have made it without Medicaid.”
Klein also highlighted that many Del Mar College students and faculty members rely on Medicaid to support their lives.
Organizations Join Forces to Amplify Voices
Moreover, the rally gained widespread backing from advocacy groups like Progressives of the Coastal Bend, Healthcare-NOW, and Sierra Club members. In particular, Gillian Mason, Executive Director of Healthcare-NOW, said she hoped the show of solidarity would force Cloud to listen.
“We’re hoping this puts pressure on Rep. Cloud to engage with the people he represents,” Mason said. “People’s lives depend on it.”
Congressman’s Office Silent
As of this writing, Rep. Cloud’s office has yet to respond to inquiries about the protest or his stance on the bill. Protesters said they plan to continue pushing for meetings and greater accountability.
What’s Next
With the bill now in the hands of the House, healthcare advocates across the country are mobilizing to prevent it from becoming law. Nurses in Corpus Christi made it clear: they’re not backing down.
“Some cuts don’t heal,” one nurse repeated. “But we’re here to make sure this one never happens.”