Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, representing Virginia’s 4th district since 2023, has expressed her concerns regarding the proposed “Big Ugly Bill” and its potential impacts on Americans. McClellan, who succeeded Donald McEachin in Congress and previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, took to social media to voice her opposition.
On July 5, 2025, McClellan criticized the bill by stating that it is detrimental to “the bottom 80% of Americans so that the rich can benefit from tax breaks.” She emphasized that “every American should be alarmed and gravely concerned about the consequences” and urged citizens not to let “House Republicans forget the real lives and livelihoods that are going to be” affected. “The Big Ugly Bill is bad news for the bottom 80% of Americans so that the rich can benefit from tax breaks. Every American should be alarmed and gravely concerned about the consequences.”
In another post on July 5, she highlighted specific repercussions for Virginia residents. According to McClellan, over 300,000 people in Virginia could lose their health insurance under this legislation. Additionally, nearly a million individuals relying on SNAP benefits might see reductions in their support. Furthermore, she warned of six rural hospitals at risk of closure due to these policy changes. “In Virginia alone, we’re looking at over 300,000 people who would lose their health insurance under this bill…”
On July 7, McClellan reiterated her concerns about healthcare access in Virginia. She mentioned that half a dozen rural hospitals could face permanent closure if the budget proposal proceeds as planned. Specifically citing Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center in Emporia as one of those at risk highlights her focus on maintaining essential healthcare services for Virginians. “Republicans’ Big Ugly Budget could force half a dozen rural hospitals in Virginia to close their doors permanently…”
Jennifer McClellan was born in Petersburg, Virginia in 1972 and currently resides in Richmond. She graduated with a BA from the University of Richmond in 1994 and earned a JD from the University of Virginia in 1997.
