Hirono concerned GOP budget cuts could impact vital social programs like Meals on Wheels, Head Start

US Sen. Mazie Hirono joined 46 Senate colleagues in opposing proposed Republican legislation they say would slash funding for critical social services in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy.

In an open letter to the public, Hirono and fellow Democratic senators warned that GOP lawmakers are targeting two major funding sources—Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)—which support programs like Meals on Wheels and Head Start.

“Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by ripping away programs that almost 25 million Americans—close to 50% of whom are children—rely on for basic needs,” the letter states.

The lawmakers pointed to a recently passed Republican budget that they say paves the way for deep cuts to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other safety net programs. Although GOP leaders have denied intentions to eliminate essential services, the senators cited published GOP proposals calling for tens of billions of dollars in cuts.

In Hawaiʻi, Meals on Wheels delivers tens of thousands of meals annually, while Head Start serves more than 2,500 children across dozens of programs statewide.

The senators argued that eliminating SSBG and TANF would force states and localities—already facing tight budgets—to reduce services for vulnerable populations. In some states, such as South Carolina, adult protective services are fully funded by SSBG, raising concerns about the ability to prevent elder abuse if the cuts proceed.

The letter also cited the example of Meals on Wheels in Abilene, Texas, which could lose service for more than half of the 1,700 seniors and disabled residents it serves across 15 rural communities.

“These devastating cuts will rip away access to child care and early education for close to 40,000 children,” the senators wrote. “This will force working parents to walk an even tighter economic tightrope and make impossible choices about whether to cut back their hours or leave their jobs altogether.”

The lawmakers criticized the GOP for drafting the legislation “behind closed doors,” alleging that it prioritizes corporate and wealthy interests at the expense of children, seniors and families in need.

The letter was signed by Senators from across the country, including Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). A full list of signatories and the complete letter is available here.