Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, representing Pennsylvania’s 5th district since 2018, has expressed her concerns through a series of tweets regarding recent political developments. Scanlon, who replaced Pat Meehan in Congress and holds degrees from Colgate University and the University of Pennsylvania, has been vocal about the current administration’s policies and their impact on American citizens.
On May 6, 2025, Scanlon addressed what she describes as the “real Gulf of America,” highlighting a perceived disconnect between the priorities of the White House and the needs of American citizens. She stated, “Let’s talk about the real Gulf of America—the gulf in America. The gulf between the priorities of this White House, aided and abetted by @HouseGOP, and the needs of the American people.”
Later that day, Scanlon criticized actions affecting veterans’ care programs. She tweeted about changes to VA programs following Congress’s passage of the PACT Act aimed at expanding benefits for veterans exposed to toxins like Agent Orange. In her words: “Congress passed the PACT Act to expand care and benefits for veterans facing cancer and other diseases from exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxins. Trump’s DOGE team is gutting the VA programs that provide that care in a clear violation of Congress’ determination.”
On May 7, 2025, Scanlon expressed concern over cuts to AmeriCorps services which she claims will negatively affect students in financially challenged schools. She emphasized that these reductions are occurring without proper procedure or authorization: “DOGE cuts to AmeriCorps services will hurt students in our cash-strapped local schools. These illegal cuts are happening with no notice, no explanation, and no ability to appeal. No one elected or authorized DOGE to gut programs enacted by Congress.”
Mary Gay Scanlon continues her legislative work from Swarthmore where she resides.
