"We All Are Going To Die" Senator's Chilling Medicaid Defense Sparks Outrage

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst Faces Angry Crowd Over Proposed Medicaid Cuts

Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst encountered a barrage of criticism and boos at a recent town hall meeting in Butler County, Iowa, as constituents voiced deep concerns about potential Medicaid cuts under the Republican-led legislative efforts aligned with President Trump's agenda. The central issue? Fears that these cuts could have dire consequences, potentially leading to loss of healthcare and even loss of life for vulnerable individuals.

"We all are going to die," Ernst quipped in response to a shouted concern that people would die due to the cuts. This remark, while perhaps intended to be dismissive, only fueled the already heated atmosphere.

The tension stemmed from the proposed changes to Medicaid within the broader spending package currently being debated in Congress. Key concerns raised included:

• Potential loss of healthcare access: Audience members worried that individuals relying on Medicaid for essential medical services would be left without crucial care.
• Impact on food benefits: Concerns extended to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with fears that cuts could jeopardize access to vital food assistance.

Ernst defended her position, stating that the focus is on removing those who "should not qualify" from the Medicaid rolls, thereby preserving resources for the truly vulnerable. "Those who meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect," she asserted. "Medicaid is extremely important here in the state of Iowa." She argued that individuals who are working and have access to benefits elsewhere should utilize those resources, freeing up Medicaid funds for those who genuinely need them.

Republicans maintain that their proposed reforms aim to create savings by targeting "waste, fraud and abuse" within the Medicaid system. House Speaker Mike Johnson has emphasized the goal of going after those who are "defrauding the system."

However, the proposed changes face significant scrutiny:

• CBO score pending: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has yet to release its score on the Medicaid provisions, leaving uncertainty about the true impact of the proposed changes.
• Debt concerns: The House-passed bill, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," is projected to add about $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability.

During the town hall, Ernst repeatedly emphasized that the Senate will modify the House bill. However, her assurances did little to quell the audience's anxieties. One constituent, identifying as a healthcare worker, expressed deep concern about the potential effects on healthcare in Iowa.

Ernst's insistence that the bill would not cut Medicaid directly sparked further outrage. When she claimed that the bill would strengthen Medicaid by removing those with other healthcare options, audience members countered with shouts of "Tax the 1 percenters; they don't pay for it."

One particularly impassioned constituent named Jen argued that many Medicaid recipients hold jobs but do not earn a living wage. "That is why they are on Medicaid and that is why they deserve Medicaid," she declared, drawing cheers from the audience. "And the fact that you want to take that money and route it to people that make billions of dollars who have more money than anybody in this room together."

Ernst responded by assuring that children would continue to receive the coverage they need. "What we are doing is making sure that those that are not Medicaid eligible are not receiving benefits," she stated, met by audible grumbling from the crowd.

The contentious town hall underscores the deep divisions and anxieties surrounding the proposed Medicaid reforms. As the debate moves forward, it is clear that Republicans face a significant challenge in convincing the public that their proposals will truly protect the most vulnerable without jeopardizing access to vital healthcare services.

The passionate and vocal opposition witnessed in Iowa reflects a broader concern about the direction of healthcare policy in the United States, and it highlights the need for a thoughtful and compassionate approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the Medicaid system. The future of healthcare for millions hangs in the balance, demanding careful consideration and open dialogue from all stakeholders.

Tags: Joni Ernst, Medicaid cuts, Republican, Trump agenda, Healthcare, Iowa, SNAP, Senator, Politics, Town hall

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/die-sen-ernst-defends-trumps-bill-amid-concerns/story?id=122352640