Senators Face Backlash Over Medicaid Cuts

Rep. Greg Steube of Florida expressed strong discontent during a recent Fox News Channel interview, expressing that unelected Senators shouldn’t have the authority to determine what stays in the proposed “big and beautiful bill.” His comments were made with the backing of former President Trump.

On Thursday morning, conservatives reacted angrily after Senate official Elizabeth McDonough ruled against including important Medicaid reforms in the GOP’s bill supported by Trump. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall even suggested that McDonough should be replaced.

During his appearance on Fox Report, Steube was asked by host Jon Scott about Congress’s potential rejection and dismissal after McDonough’s ruling. He echoed Marshall’s sentiments, calling for her removal.

“I really think it’s unacceptable for someone who hasn’t been elected in over a decade to decide what’s in this legislation,” Steube stated. He noted that lawmakers are elected by citizens specifically to make these kinds of decisions.

Currently, Republicans maintain a majority in both the House and Senate. Notably, McDonough was appointed by the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat.

Steube questioned why Senate Majority Leader John Thune hasn’t appointed a Republican in McDonough’s place. “We’ve definitely wanted that, but Thune says he’s not going to change it, so it looks like we’ll have to keep moving forward,” he remarked.

Scott commented that McDonough’s role should strictly be about objective scoring and not a political decision. When asked about McDonough’s potential bias, Steube acknowledged her connection to the Democratic appointment.

In discussing the Senate’s decision-making on what can be included in such significant legislation, Steube expressed frustration. He referenced that voters hadn’t backed this course of action, highlighting that decisions made by appointed individuals weren’t representative of the public’s will.

Trump later took to Truth Social to reaffirm his support for Steube’s position, stating, “Greg Steube is spot on. Unelected Senate staff should not undermine our Republican initiatives.” He emphasized his desire for positive, impactful legislation.