House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark sharply criticized the Trump and Republican-led rescissions package and tax cuts during a wide-ranging interview, arguing that the GOP’s approach to budgeting is worsening life for working Americans while favoring the wealthy.

Speaking to CNN, the Massachusetts congresswoman didn’t mince words when asked about the GOP’s sweeping cuts to social programs. “I cannot make sense of this split screen,” Clark said, pointing to simultaneous efforts by Republicans to slash domestic spending while advancing costly initiatives like the proposed reopening of Alcatraz, which could cost up to $1 billion. “They are cutting programs that are important to Americans who are trying to fight the high cost of living, while raising the national debt.”

Clark’s remarks came as the House considers a rescissions package that would eliminate billions in funding already allocated for healthcare, education, veterans services, and public broadcasting. The cuts are part of what Republicans have dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Law,” a spending rollback effort Clark and other Democrats say will have devastating effects across the country.

The impacts are especially stark in rural areas, Clark noted, citing the proposed defunding of PBS, which serves as a primary source of emergency communication for many remote communities. “What are they doing and what are they thinking with continuing these cuts that just don’t add up for families at home?” she asked.

Clark also criticized the GOP’s tax policy, saying it disproportionately benefits the wealthy while offering little to working-class Americans. While Republican leaders defend the Trump-led tax cuts as necessary to maintain economic growth, Clark pointed out that the majority of those benefits are permanent for top earners but temporary for lower-income families.

“We would love to be engaging with Republicans on building a tax code that is fair,” she said. “But what we’re seeing is a GOP that is committed to working for the elites in this country. Full stop.”

According to Clark, the real-life consequences of these budget decisions are already becoming visible. She cited estimates that show 17 million Americans could lose healthcare coverage, 30 million children could lose access to school lunches, and many families will struggle to afford school supplies due to rising tariffs. “Half of all American children are on Medicaid,” she said. “This will be the last full school year they have insurance coverage.”

Clark accused Republicans of cutting support for education, healthcare, and veterans while offering little in return. “You can’t take a trillion dollars out of healthcare and say the kids are going to be all right,” she said. “All of this while undercutting the Department of Education and even taking away funding that had already been allocated to afterschool programs.”

Clark also addressed broader concerns about the Democratic Party’s favorability, following recent polling showing just 28% of Americans view the party favorably—a historic low. She acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the party’s focus on addressing economic hardship.

“Democrats are absolutely focused on making sure that families at home know who’s fighting for them,” she said. “When 60% of households are telling us they’re not making it, that is our call to action.”

She added that if Democrats regain the majority in 2026, they will prioritize affordability, access to healthcare, and restoring investments in public infrastructure. “We see what you’re going through,” Clark said. “And we are going to work every single day to make sure that you can get to that first rung of the American dream.”

The House rescissions package remains a flashpoint in the ongoing budget debate, with both parties locked in an ideological battle over the future of government spending. Clark’s comments reveal the Democrats’ exact strategy heading into the 2026 midterms: tying Republican fiscal policies to the day-to-day struggles of working Americans.