Ocasio-Cortez Criticizes Republicans Over Trump’s Legislation
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spoke out on Wednesday about the implications of what she referred to as President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” During her address on the House floor, she highlighted that approximately 13.7 million Americans could lose their healthcare due to this legislation.
Ocasio-Cortez urged Republicans to acknowledge the seriousness of this figure, suggesting they might attempt to distract from it with other narratives. She expressed her frustration regarding the process by which the bill was created, noting how it seemed to be hastily pieced together without sufficient deliberation: “Republicans threw this bill together in a few hours… They are cutting Medicaid coverage for millions and affecting necessary services, including for those who rely on the Affordable Care Act.” She added that the bill would also impact those seeking abortion services.
“Additionally, if we can deregulate the largest amount of gun suppressors since the 1930s, it feels like a Christmas tree of a bill,” she remarked.
She emphasized that her Republican colleagues might face harsh realizations about their votes once the implications of this legislation sink in. “They will have endorsed cuts to Planned Parenthood and healthcare for millions,” she warned.
Recently, Trump encouraged Republicans to stand united behind this bill, which aims to minimize Medicaid waste and abuse through twice-yearly eligibility checks. It also introduces new “Community Engagement Requirements” for healthy adults, focusing on work or education.
Despite past Democratic calls for eliminating waste in Medicaid, there is evident dissatisfaction with the proposed reforms from the Republican side. Democrats have labeled the suggested cuts as “shameful,” viewing them as attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act.
Former Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) previously stated, “I didn’t address Medicare and Medicaid from the standpoint of beneficiaries, but I’ve never claimed they are beyond scrutiny on fraud.”
In a related note, Planned Parenthood’s recent report, released over Mother’s Day weekend, illustrated a troubling increase in both abortions and taxpayer funding for the organization. The report showed that 402,230 abortions were performed, a significant rise from the previous year’s 392,715. Furthermore, taxpayer funding rose to $792.2 million, about $100 million more than last year.
This report’s timing coincides with Congressional discussions about funding for abortion-related services. Republicans might utilize budget settlements to reimburse organizations like Planned Parenthood while attempting to navigate around the 60-vote requirement usually needed for such legislation. Despite Hyde’s amendment banning federal funds for abortion, opponents argue federal dollars shouldn’t support organizations involved in such practices.
According to reports, Trump’s extensive tax and spending efforts have been passed by the House and are now facing discussions in the Republican-led Senate, which is developing its own version of the bill.
