Stepping up opposition to Trump? Congresswoman Doris Matsui releases 9 videos in 2 days
Matsui's comments are not happening in a vacuum.
Congresswoman Doris Matsui has released nine videos of her testimony at congressional committee hearings in the last two days.
The videos included topics ranging from the protection of Medicaid to Planned Parenthood. Her statements' common denominator was opposition to Republican and Trump administration proposals.
Matsui's commentary was evident today in a hearing on Republican plans to slash Medicaid to extend Trump's tax cuts.
"This Republican bill would have made her wait nine months for a determination on her disability status - then left her buried in paperwork, still unemployed. It's clear what is happening - this bill is setting traps for people with disabilities to lose their coverage," Matsui said.
Matsui's comments are not happening in a vacuum. Since Donald Trump took office, Democratic voters have expressed loud dissatisfaction with what they say has been a lethargic opposition by Democratic Senators and Congress members to the administration.
Constituents at town halls, progressive activists, and even governors have criticized figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and various House Democrats for voting to avert government shutdowns or for refraining from aggressive procedural tactics, arguing these actions enable the very budget rollbacks that threaten healthcare coverage.
Polling data and grassroots “People’s Town Halls” further underscore the base’s demand for louder, more combative advocacy on behalf of vulnerable Americans. Perhaps Matsui is attempting to show constituent advocacy and opposition to Trump to fend off a Democratic primary challenge.
While Matsui is less vulnerable to a challenge compared to Sacramento's other Democratic congressional representative, Ami Bera, who joined Republicans in a censure vote of fellow Democratic Congressman Al Green, there have been complaints that Matsui is out of touch with the district.
California will hold its midterm primaries in about a year, and a progressive Democratic candidate could emerge to challenge Matsui. With this in mind, expect to see more communication from Matsui emphasizing opposition to Trump and Republican policy proposals, if for no other reason than to shield herself from a primary challenge.
Below are some of the videos Matsui has released this week. All of the Matsui videos can be viewed here.
