A staggering 12 million Americans could lose their health coverage under the proposed budget bill currently under discussion in the Senate, a situation complicated by a recent Congressional Budget Office report.
Trump's Budget Bill Set to Strip Health Coverage from 12 Million Americans
Trump's Budget Bill Set to Strip Health Coverage from 12 Million Americans
New estimates reveal potential loss of healthcare for millions as Senate debates Trump's budget bill ahead of deadline.
The Republicans in the Senate are racing to advance what has been dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill," spearheaded by President Donald Trump. However, a recent analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) claims that this sweeping legislation could lead to nearly 12 million people losing their health insurance and add about $3.3 trillion to the national debt. This stark warning comes as Republican leaders in the Senate work diligently to persuade wavering party members to support a measure that has already struggled for traction.
The bill recently passed a preliminary vote in the Senate with a narrow 51-49 margin, but it has already faced significant backlash. Notably, Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina has opted not to seek reelection after voting against the bill, underscoring the contentious nature of the legislation. Critics, particularly from the Democratic side, have pointed to the CBO's estimates which indicate that the bill could result in $1 trillion in cuts to healthcare funding.
With a slim Republican majority in the Senate, the party can only afford to lose three votes from its ranks. In response to fears about the bill's impacts on healthcare, Senate Democrats have seized on procedural rules to extend debate, utilizing a full 20 hours for discussions following a forced 16-hour reading of the bill's almost 1,000 pages.
The White House is adamant about passing this legislation before the self-imposed July 4th deadline, framing any failure to do so as a serious betrayal of American voters. Trump himself celebrated the Senate's recent vote as a "great victory," despite the mounting political obstacles.
Among the heated debates is the proposed reduction in funding for Medicaid—an essential program for millions of elderly, low-income, and disabled Americans. Senator Mark Warner expressed concerns on Sunday, framing the bill as a measure favoring the wealthy at the expense of basic healthcare needs for millions.
Despite the criticisms, the bill still boasts key elements of Trump's tax agenda, including tax cuts for over 80% of Americans, albeit with wealthier taxpayers receiving a larger share. Notably, the bill intends to impose work requirements on certain beneficiaries of Medicaid and adjust tax structures affecting medical providers in states.
To alleviate concerns from some Republican senators regarding rural hospitals, a last-minute amendment increased the rural hospital relief fund from $15 billion to $25 billion. However, it also includes stricter regulations on food stamp programs, pushing many to prove employment status to retain assistance starting in 2028.
As the political clock ticks down to the deadline, the fate of the "Big Beautiful Bill" remains uncertain, with discussions continuing to evolve inside an increasingly polarized Senate.
The bill recently passed a preliminary vote in the Senate with a narrow 51-49 margin, but it has already faced significant backlash. Notably, Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina has opted not to seek reelection after voting against the bill, underscoring the contentious nature of the legislation. Critics, particularly from the Democratic side, have pointed to the CBO's estimates which indicate that the bill could result in $1 trillion in cuts to healthcare funding.
With a slim Republican majority in the Senate, the party can only afford to lose three votes from its ranks. In response to fears about the bill's impacts on healthcare, Senate Democrats have seized on procedural rules to extend debate, utilizing a full 20 hours for discussions following a forced 16-hour reading of the bill's almost 1,000 pages.
The White House is adamant about passing this legislation before the self-imposed July 4th deadline, framing any failure to do so as a serious betrayal of American voters. Trump himself celebrated the Senate's recent vote as a "great victory," despite the mounting political obstacles.
Among the heated debates is the proposed reduction in funding for Medicaid—an essential program for millions of elderly, low-income, and disabled Americans. Senator Mark Warner expressed concerns on Sunday, framing the bill as a measure favoring the wealthy at the expense of basic healthcare needs for millions.
Despite the criticisms, the bill still boasts key elements of Trump's tax agenda, including tax cuts for over 80% of Americans, albeit with wealthier taxpayers receiving a larger share. Notably, the bill intends to impose work requirements on certain beneficiaries of Medicaid and adjust tax structures affecting medical providers in states.
To alleviate concerns from some Republican senators regarding rural hospitals, a last-minute amendment increased the rural hospital relief fund from $15 billion to $25 billion. However, it also includes stricter regulations on food stamp programs, pushing many to prove employment status to retain assistance starting in 2028.
As the political clock ticks down to the deadline, the fate of the "Big Beautiful Bill" remains uncertain, with discussions continuing to evolve inside an increasingly polarized Senate.
