"Republican Senator Ernst justifies Medicaid reductions, stating bluntly, 'We're all going to perish' during a town hall meeting"
At a recent town hall, Senator Joni Ernst found herself in a heated discussion with her constituents over the Republican-backed bill aimed at advancing President Trump's agenda. The crux of the debate centered around the proposed cuts to Medicaid, with many fearing it would lead to people losing access to essential healthcare services and even death.
Responding to these concerns, Ernst stated, "Well, we all are going to die."
The fierce exchange took place in Butler County, Iowa, where audience members expressed anxiety about the implications of the proposed cuts to Medicaid, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), under the Trump's "big, beautiful bill" being considered in the Senate. As Ernst explained her stance on removing those ineligible for Medicaid under the current law, an audience member could be heard opposing her, "People are going to die."
Medicaid has become a critical focus in the ongoing negotiations for a massive spending package being crafted by Republicans. It's believed that their version of the bill will create savings in Medicaid by targeting waste, fraud, and abuse within the system. Moreover, H.R.1, also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," implements Medicaid reforms, changes to various programs, extends the Trump 2017 tax cuts, and boosts spending in areas like border security and defense spending.
The bill stands to add around $3.8 trillion to the federal government's $36.2 trillion in debt over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It's important to note that healthcare professionals, particularly those in Iowa, have expressed their agreement with most of the Medicaid provisions in the House bill but remain concerned about the potential impact on healthcare in the state.
During the town hall, Ernst addressed a health care worker's concerns about the bill's effect on health care in Iowa, stating, "We are not going to cut those benefits for those children," drawing grumbles from the audience. The audience also vocally opposed Ernst's assertion that the bill would not cut Medicaid. One constituent, identified as Jen, argued that many people on Medicaid work but do not earn a living wage, to which Ernst replied that the bill aimed to route money away from those who have other means of financial support and towards those truly eligible for Medicaid.
The Senate has promised modifications to the bill, but concerns about Medicaid continue to dominate discussions, especially in Ernst's home state. These concerns have led to tumultuous town halls recently, resulting in boos and jeers directed at Republican Reps. Mike Flood and Ashley Hinson during town hall events earlier this week.
- The questionable Republican-backed bill, aiming to advance President Trump's agenda, has stirred tension, particularly regarding proposed cuts to Medicaid, causing worry among health and wellness advocates that people might lose access to essential healthcare services and potentially face death.
- Audience members at a town hall in Butler County, Iowa, were vocal about their anxiety over the implications of the proposed Medicaid cuts, including those to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), under the Trump's "big, beautiful bill" being considered in the Senate.
- In the spirited exchange, Senator Joni Ernst, when challenged about the proposed Medicaid cuts, remarked, "Well, we all are going to die," leading audience members to oppose her stance, with one audience member exclaiming, "People are going to die."
- Healthcare professionals, including those in Iowa, have voiced agreement with most of the Medicaid provisions in the House bill but have expressed concerns about the potential impact on healthcare in the state, particularly when considering the massive spending package being crafted by Republicans.
