Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized Republicans for their threats to Medicaid funding, asserting they were prioritizing the wealthy at the expense of the vulnerable.
She has been vocal against proposed cuts affecting health care access for low-income families and individuals with disabilities.
“They are taking resources from people to give to the rich,” Ocasio-Cortez stated. “Medicaid is one of the largest insurers in the United States.”
GOP members have already suggested over $800 billion in cuts based on recommendations from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. However, two contentious Medicaid funding proposals are currently under reconsideration. Committee members will continue reviewing the budget adjustment bill this week.
“These cuts aren’t just about reducing health care; they create significant challenges. They’re trying to give a break to wealthy donors who helped fund their campaigns,” Ocasio-Cortez remarked.
“To achieve this, they must undermine the U.S. health care and safety net systems. They’re doing it to cater to their backers,” she added.
The proposed cap on Medicaid spending for the expanded population is estimated to save $225 billion, which could leave 1.5 million more people uninsured by 2034, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis released Wednesday.
“They have confirmed that millions of Americans will find themselves cut off from Medicaid,” the representative commented regarding the implications of these cuts.
While Republicans have not yet put forth a formal bill to finalize the budget package, discussions are ongoing about allowing President Trump to extend his 2017 tax cuts.
Other key focuses include bolstering border security and increasing defense spending while also considering funding for medical research.
Ocasio-Cortez and her Democratic colleagues are outraged by moves to implement Trump’s agenda through what they refer to as “one big beautiful bill.”
Her fellow congressman, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), was removed from the president’s first joint address to Congress in protest of the Medicaid cuts.
“This is about punishing people for losing their health care,” Green told reporters after his removal. “This is the richest nation, yet there are individuals without access to health care. We must do better.”
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) echoed similar sentiments during his notable speech on the Senate floor.
