Faith leaders from across the southern United States are preparing to stage demonstrations beginning July 14, targeting congressional districts to protest federal budget cuts they say will deeply harm vulnerable Americans, particularly in the South.
The protests are a response to the recently passed federal spending bill, dubbed by President Donald Trump as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” While the bill delivers substantial tax cuts, it also includes sweeping reductions to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sparking concern among social justice advocates and religious leaders.
“We are not going to allow the damage, destruction, and death that will be created by this budget to go unnoticed,” said Bishop William J. Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach, a faith-based social justice organization. “So we’re going to the South.”
Protests Planned in 11 Southern States
The campaign will begin with protests in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Demonstrators plan to rally outside congressional offices while carrying symbolic caskets—each bearing data on how many people in the district will be affected by the cuts.
Faith leaders argue the South is particularly vulnerable due to existing poverty levels. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the poverty rate in southern states averages 15%, higher than the national rate.
“Every U.S. senator from the South—except one in North Carolina—voted for this big, bad, ugly, deadly, destructive bill,” Barber said. “They voted against their own people.”
Deep Cuts to Medicaid and Food Assistance
The bill could result in 12 million to 20 million people losing Medicaid, the public health insurance program that covers 1 in 5 Americans, including:
- 40% of all children
- 25% of adults with disabilities
- 60% of nursing home residents
Additionally, over 2 million people could lose access to SNAP, also known as food stamps.
Republican leaders argue the budget is a necessary step to eliminate fraud, reduce bloated spending, and revitalize the economy.
“You will see an American renaissance,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) in a video message. “We will get this economy moving again.”
‘Moral Mondays’ and Direct Action
Barber and his coalition have been organizing “Moral Monday” protests at the U.S. Capitol for weeks to draw attention to what they call “death-dealing” legislation. Several protestors, including clergy, have been arrested during sit-ins and demonstrations.
“What we will not do is stand down or bow down,” Barber said defiantly.
In South Carolina, Rev. Alexis Carter Thomas announced that demonstrators would deliver a casket to the office of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), stating:
“We have a moral obligation to stand up, speak out, and fight back.”
The campaign aims to place renewed focus on the human impact of budgetary decisions and to challenge lawmakers across the South who supported the spending cuts.
