Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchett Challenges CNN Host on Settlement Bill

On Wednesday evening, Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett found himself in a heated exchange with Brianna Keilar, the guest host of “OutFront with Erin Burnett,” regarding a recently advanced settlement bill.

Early Thursday morning, the House moved the bill forward with a narrow 219-213 vote, managing to address objections from nearly all Republican dissenters. Keilar pressed Burchett about proposed Medicaid reforms, suggesting that his actions would strip health insurance from millions and referencing the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for support.

“The CBO, a trusted entity over the years, has made it clear in its estimates that many will lose their healthcare if they oppose its conclusions,” Keilar asserted.

“No, ma’am. If you want to take on the role of editor here, then I really don’t need to be part of this conversation,” Burchett shot back.

Later, on “CNN Newsnight,” host Abby Phillip noted Burchett’s earlier comments, where he had labeled the CBO as a “partisan organization” and claimed it was obstructing the settlement bill’s progress.

“I want to see the economic impacts of all bills, and as a taxpayer, you should too. The CBO is our only credible source for that. If I could allow someone else to do it, I would, but we really need the CBO to step in,” Burchett explained, questioning why understanding bill expenditures was such a contentious issue.

He continued, “The crux of this bill is that the government is getting in our way. Americans have been making choices, perhaps hardworking Americans deserve better options, and it feels like you’re trying to misrepresent my words.” He emphasized that Americans should know the financial implications of all legislative actions, expressing disbelief that media would shy away from transparency.

Keilar countered, suggesting CNN had reported on the bill and encouraged Burchett to support its advancement.

“Madam, there’s a lot of fear-mongering going on. The narrative that millions will lose out is simply not true. You’re framing it like those who benefit are somehow cheating the system,” Burchett responded. “That’s not what we’re doing.” He asserted that scare tactics weren’t in service to the country.

According to a CBO estimate released until June 24, nearly 11 million people are projected to be removed from Medicaid by 2034. A statement from the House Budget Committee pointed out that 4.8 million would lose coverage due to failing to meet new work requirements, and an additional 1.4 million undocumented immigrants would be cut from the program.