Republican Rep. Mike Flood faced intense backlash at a town hall in Lincoln, Nebraska, after voting for President Trump’s major tax and spending legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Roughly 700 constituents booed and heckled him for over an hour, many angered by cuts to Medicaid, food programs, and rising federal spending. Flood maintained the bill ensures Medicaid’s future sustainability and includes border security and tax relief measures. He said he welcomed tough questions and sees the confrontation as part of democracy’s normal discourse.
The town hall highlighted serious voter concerns over the bill’s impact on vulnerable Americans. Flood defended work requirements for Medicaid recipients and defended increases in defense and immigration enforcement funding. He acknowledged the legislation is imperfect but argued it upholds fiscal discipline and reflects voters’ will from 2024’s election.
Constituents repeatedly voiced distrust over broader Trump administration policies, including immigration, federal layoffs, and handling of Epstein-related documents. Flood fielded pointed criticism on those issues while reiterating the importance of transparency and accountability.
This event mirrors similar heated town halls experienced by Republicans across the country as they promote Trump’s reconciliation bill. The legislation passed narrowly in both chambers and is forecast to add trillions in debt while cutting safety net programs and clean energy incentives.
Flood’s decision to face the crowd, rather than avoid town hall meetings as GOP strategists advised, reinforces his elected approach. Despite the hostility, he insisted on continuing direct constituent engagements, arguing local self-governance requires open dialogue.
