Pennsylvania Governor Warns Democrats Must Fix Coverage Gaps Before Veto Battles

Gov. Josh Shapiro told NBC News on Sunday that Democrats should move immediately to restore Medicaid and SNAP benefits when they assume control of Congress in January. He cited specific losses in his state to frame the urgency of the agenda.

Shapiro reported that 510,000 residents of Pennsylvania are losing health care coverage. Additionally, 143,000 more are losing food assistance due to cuts approved during President Donald Trump’s second term. These figures illustrate the immediate impact of the current policy environment on state populations.

The governor urged the incoming Democratic majority to adopt an aggressive legislative agenda. He proposed legislation that cuts costs and ends the war in Ukraine. He expressed hope that President Trump would sign such bills because they reflect common-sense improvements for daily life.

Shapiro acknowledged that Trump has indicated he intends to work with Democrats. However, the president has also promoted a new hat branded with the word VETO since Republicans lost their congressional majority in the midterm elections. Shapiro suggested that a presidential veto would signal to voters that the White House does not prioritize their well-being.

Despite the focus on spending and subsidies, Shapiro stressed that Democrats must also hold the administration accountable for corruption. He argued that the new Congress should be responsive to voter sentiment on this issue. He used the phrase walk and chew gum at the same time to describe the need to pass effective legislation while simultaneously investigating executive branch conduct.

Shapiro noted that Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is expected to become the next speaker of the House. Jeffries has stated that both legislative action and accountability will be on the agenda for the first 100 days and the following two years. Shapiro said this dual focus avoids a choice between either/or and embraces a both/and approach.

The governor advised Democrats to focus on making life better for people in 2027 rather than looking ahead to the 2028 elections. He said it is the duty of Congress and state governors to lead in this effort. Shapiro, who has been mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, did not commit to running. He said his current focus is on advancing policies like raising the minimum wage, a priority for Pennsylvania Democrats who won a state legislature majority Tuesday.