Kendrick Meek: “Let me just say this. There are faith-based groups that are very concerned about cuts to Medicaid and will speak out…”

“Let me just say this. There are faith-based groups that are very concerned about cuts to Medicaid and will speak out, that will come to Washington and will talk to the appropriators and to some of the individuals who want cuts; but those individuals that have relationships with the President of the United States, those very high individuals within the very, very conservative groups should go and say this is wrong, in my opinion. I think that those voices on a spiritual level need to be worked on, and also in this House. We need to be worked on about making the right decisions as it relates to the masses of Americans who need us the most. That is just where it is. So that is where the responsibility is. But guess what? Ultimately, we make the decision. They do not. We are elected to make the decision; they are not. And I do not want to put this on an outside group saying it is their responsibility, but as it relates to what people are reacting to here in Washington, DC, as it relates to the leadership and what the leadership is reacting to here in Washington, DC, we just may need that intervention. We may very well need that intervention on behalf of individuals who cannot fight for themselves. And they have a lobbyist. It is supposed to be Members of Congress. All Members of Congress. Not folks that are saying that, well, we care more about our philosophy and we are going to start with the individuals who cannot protect themselves, because I am their lobbyist.…”