In a dramatic showdown that has the potential to reshape American healthcare, Rep. Jake Auchincloss revealed the shocking details of a grueling 27.5-hour markup session with Republicans over a controversial bill that could cut health care for millions. Speaking on The Daily Show, Auchincloss, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, described how Republicans stealthily scheduled crucial discussions on healthcare policy in the dead of night, hoping to evade public scrutiny as they attempted to slash services for 13 million patients.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Auchincloss raised alarms over the involvement of billionaire Brad Smith, who stands to benefit immensely from the bill’s proposed tax cuts while wielding undue influence over Medicare and Medicaid. “Tax cuts for billionaires should not dictate the fate of American health care,” he stated emphatically, as he called out the potential ramifications of the bill for both red and blue districts alike.

As the political battle rages, Auchincloss pointed to bipartisan concerns over Medicaid cuts and the implications for vulnerable populations, including seniors and families with special needs children. He cautioned that the bill not only threatens access to at-home care but also risks driving up insurance premiums for working families. “We’ve been fighting this fight for 15 years, and history shows that when Democrats champion expanding healthcare, they win,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, tensions are escalating as Auchincloss also tackled the contentious issue of the TikTok ban, suggesting that the refusal of former President Trump to enforce the law could lead to a constitutional crisis. As Congress grapples with these pivotal issues, Auchincloss urged Democrats to embrace a bold agenda focused on fixing systemic barriers to affordable housing and education. With the midterms looming, the urgency for action is palpable. “If we are to regain trust and power, we must show what we stand for, not just what we oppose,” he declared, reinforcing the need for a future that prioritizes the well-being of American families over the interests of the wealthy. The clock is ticking as these developments unfold, and the nation watches closely.