Estimates indicate that nearly 12 million Americans stand to lose health coverage under President Trump's budget bill, sparking fierce debate and dissent within the Senate, as lawmakers confront healthcare cuts and rising national debt.
Trump’s Budget Bill Faces Backlash as Millions Risk Losing Healthcare Coverage
Trump’s Budget Bill Faces Backlash as Millions Risk Losing Healthcare Coverage
Senate's passage of the controversial Big Beautiful Bill raises alarms over potential cuts to health insurance for millions.
Republicans are racing against time to pass President Donald Trump's ambitious Big Beautiful Bill in the Senate before a self-imposed July 4 deadline. However, a recent assessment from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals that if the bill is enacted, nearly 12 million Americans could lose their health insurance, potentially adding $3.3 trillion in national debt—factors that could complicate GOP efforts.
Despite the bill narrowly securing a preliminary Senate vote over the weekend, dissenting voices have emerged within the party, most notably Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who stated he would not seek reelection after opposing the legislation. His vote, along with Senator Rand Paul’s rejection due to concerns over increasing the debt limit, marks significant pushback from within Republican ranks.
While the bill passed Saturday’s preliminary vote with a slim 51-49 margin, the Senate's overall support remains uncertain. Limited to just a three-defector allowance, Republicans hold a fragile majority, with Vice-President JD Vance able to cast the tie-breaking vote. The ongoing debate has led to Democrats using legislative measures to extend the reading and discussion time, aiming to push the vote further.
The proposed budget significantly cuts Medicaid by approximately $1 trillion—a program vital for millions of vulnerable Americans—including the elderly and low-income citizens. Critics, including Senator Mark Warner, have condemned the bill as a strategy to deliver tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of healthcare availability for the millions who rely on it.
Despite this backlash, the bill is designed to deliver tax reductions to over 80% of Americans next year, with wealthier taxpayers receiving the most substantial benefits. The push from Republican senators includes measures to reduce fraud in welfare programs, and an argument has been made that many Medicaid recipients do not fit the poverty-stricken classification.
To address concerns from rural districts, the bill has been amended to boost the rural hospital relief fund from $15 billion to $25 billion. In addition, the initiative proposes imposing work requirements for adults seeking several benefits, limits funding states can generate from medical care taxes, and modifies eligibility protocols for food assistance based on employment status.
In summary, as the Senate navigates the approval process, both potential amendments and partisan lines are being drawn, highlighting a critical juncture for American healthcare and the broader debate over fiscal responsibility.
