Press Release
Republican Health Care Cuts Stall Progress on Major Legislation
Washington, D.C. — Key negotiations in the Republican-led Congress are stalling due to a contentious debate over healthcare cuts in President Donald Trump’s proposed legislation. With 10.9 million Americans potentially losing health coverage under the House-passed version of the bill, GOP senators are wrestling with deeper Medicaid cuts that critics warn could further harm vulnerable populations.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) expressed concerns about the severity of the proposed Medicaid reductions, echoing fears reminiscent of failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017. As senators work against the clock ahead of a July 4 deadline, negotiations are taking place behind closed doors, balancing the need for tax breaks and border security funding with healthcare reforms.
The proposed changes target Medicaid, which now provides coverage to approximately 80 million Americans, leading many to argue that the cuts disproportionately affect women, children, and rural communities. "Republicans are trying to take away healthcare from tens of millions of Americans," stated House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Among the measures under scrutiny is a work requirement for Medicaid recipients and adjustments to provider taxes levied by states on healthcare providers, which could jeopardize rural hospitals that rely on these funds. Rick Pollack, CEO of the American Hospital Association, warned that such cuts would not solely impact Medicaid patients but also strain emergency services across the country.
To mitigate potential harm, proposals such as a $15 billion rural hospital fund have emerged, though GOP senators are split on its adequacy. Meanwhile, the White House touts potential long-term savings of up to $2.3 trillion from the legislation, although some analyses predict heightened deficits.
As discussions continue, the fate of millions hangs in the balance amid efforts to finalize the highly contentious bill.
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