The U.S. Senate passed a GOP-sponsored tax bill on Tuesday evening, after the House of Representatives did the same earlier in the day.
The legislation goes back to the House on Wednesday for approval of minor changes.
Connecticut lawmakers, both in Congress and in the statehouse, criticized the bill for its tax cuts to wealthy Americans and the speed at which it passed through the legislative system.
Rep. Elizabeth Esty from Connecticut's 5th District, called the bill "a generational theft."
This bill was supposed to create jobs and raise wages. Instead, it's a generational theft that will heap trillions of debt on our kids and grandkids to make more billionaires happy for the holidays.
— Elizabeth Esty (@Elizabeth_Esty) December 19, 2017
Opponents of the bill argue it will add a nearly $1.5 trillion budget deficit over the next decade. This has raised concerns that will lead to cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
One of those concerned is Rep. John Larson from Connecticut's 1st Congressional District. He called the bill "cruel" and "unfair."
This plan will create a $1.5 trillion deficit, triggering immediate cuts to Medicare, & the GOP have said more cuts will come to Social Security, Medicare, & Medicaid. All of this, just to give tax cuts to the wealthy & corporations. I will be opposing this cruel, & unfair bill.
— Rep. John Larson (@RepJohnLarson) December 19, 2017
Congressman Joe Courtney, who represents Connecticut's 2nd District, called the bill a "historic mistake."
"This bill will exacerbate our national deficit and sets up the rationale that Republicans will use to launch their long-anticipated attacks against Social Security and Medicare, which Speaker Paul Ryan has already brazenly promised to do," Courtney said in a statement.
The bill moved to the Senate for a vote Tuesday evening. Both of Connecticut's Democratic senators have spoken out against the bill.
How we spend our money is a reflection of our priorities. Republicans are telling you loud and clear - tax cuts for billionaires are more important than our children's health. https://t.co/3WQ5XQF4kd
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 19, 2017
Senator Chris Murphy alluded to federal funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program, which has yet to be reauthorized. The program, known as Husky B in Connecticut, covers 17,000 children and teenagers in the state, and the program is expected to run out of money at the end of January.
Congress is short on time to fund the program though. After focusing on the tax bill, it must pass a spending bill to avoid another government shutdown before the holiday recess.