Trump just announced plans to raise $2 billion from Congress to “beautify” the streets of Washington, D.C.—including new light poles, street resurfacing, and cosmetic upgrades to a few square miles around the Capitol.

Meanwhile, millions of Americans are struggling with medical debt, rising rent, childcare costs, and vanishing access to basic health services.

We don’t need prettier sidewalks. We need affordable insulin. We need maternal care in rural counties. We need working families to be able to make ends meet.

We, the undersigned, are calling on President Trump and Congress to redirect this $2 billion proposal toward essential support services like Medicaid expansion, maternal and infant health programs, and rural hospital funding.

Prioritize policies that address skyrocketing living costs, including affordable housing, food access, and prescription drug affordability.

Put people first, not polished streets—especially at a time when public health programs are being defunded and emergency response systems are under strain.

Beautification does not equal justice. Fresh pavement does not cure cancer. A “cleaner look” for D.C. is not what Americans are asking for right now.