A vote too important for Rep. LaMonica McIver to miss

November 19, 2025

Rep. LaMonica McIver, a New Jersey Democrat elected in 2024, traveled to Washington just hours after undergoing surgery to remove uterine fibroids in order to vote against a government funding bill that failed to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. The 39-year-old congresswoman, who has undergone four such procedures since age 25, cited her concern that rising healthcare costs would harm her working-class constituents who depend on affordable coverage.

Who is affected

Rep. LaMonica McIver (New Jersey Democrat, 10th District)
McIver's constituents in New Jersey's 10th District, described as racially diverse and largely working-class
Black women, who disproportionately experience severe uterine fibroid symptoms
Women who develop uterine fibroids (up to 80% during childbearing years)
People who rely on Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance plans
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (arrested during the ICE facility visit)
Reps. Rob Menendez and Bonnie Watson Coleman (accompanied McIver on the facility visit)
Other prominent Black women targeted by the Trump administration, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook

What action is being taken

McIver is pleading not guilty to federal charges of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with a federal agent
McIver is serving on the House Homeland Security Committee
McIver is advocating for constituents on healthcare issues and immigrant rights
The Trump administration has cut federal funding for research on health conditions like fibroids that disproportionately impact women
McIver's attorney and legal team are evaluating next steps following the judge's denial of her motions to dismiss

Why it matters

This case illustrates the intersection of healthcare access, racial disparities in medical conditions, and political tensions in Washington. McIver's experience highlights how Black women face disproportionate health burdens from conditions like uterine fibroids while also demonstrating the personal sacrifices elected officials make to represent their constituents. The healthcare stakes are significant: without extended ACA subsidies, many working-class constituents face skyrocketing premiums that could force them to forgo insurance entirely, potentially creating life-or-death consequences. The criminal charges against McIver raise concerns about potential political retaliation against members of Congress conducting oversight of the administration, particularly targeting prominent Black women leaders, which could have a chilling effect on legitimate congressional authority and democratic accountability.

What's next

McIver's attorney and legal team are evaluating next steps following the judge's ruling denying her motions to dismiss the charges
McIver has follow-up medical appointments for post-surgery care
McIver will continue her work on the House Homeland Security Committee focusing on immigration oversight

Read full article from source: The 19th