Republican Rep. Mike Flood faces heated backlash at Nebraska town hall

Rep. Mike Flood held a town hall at Nebraska Wesleyan University on Tuesday, where a protest outside the venue set the tone for a contentious meeting. Inside, voters pressed him on healthcare cost increases and recent legislation that lowered taxes for wealthy individuals and corporations, questioning his justification that he "works so hard to pay my taxes for somebody that can work but chooses not to work." A CPA in the audience accused Flood of delivering half-truths, while others shouted that the policies were driven by President Donald Trump and added $1.6 trillion to the deficit.

Flood attempted to rally support by noting his commitment to constituents and pointing to a bipartisan affordable-housing bill that automatically became law after the president declined to veto it. The crowd responded with a mix of boos, brief applause, and criticism that he was avoiding answers, leaving many attendees feeling dissatisfied. Lincoln resident Shirley Mora James summed up the sentiment, saying she felt Flood did not answer the questions posed.