Iowa Senator Joni Ernst (R) pushes back against attendees at a recent town hall meeting who demanded cuts to Medicaid and criticized the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), responding, “Well, we're all going to die.”
This tense exchange occurred during a town hall in Butler, Iowa, on Friday, where Ernst defended spending reforms as part of a House-passed budget bill designed to prevent the country from unlawfully receiving federal benefits.
An audience member attempted to address Ernst, interrupting her responses about changes to Medicaid and SNAP, leading to shouts of “die” in favor of reform. Ernst retorted, “Well, we will all die.”
This quip elicited a strong reaction from the crowd.
“For heaven’s sake, for the people’s sake,” Ernst stated.
“What you don't want to do is dismiss my efforts when I say we're focusing on the most vulnerable,” she continued. “We protect those who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements. We safeguard them.”
“Medicaid is critically important in Iowa,” Ernst emphasized.
“If you choose not to listen, that’s your prerogative. But my message is clear: Those who are not eligible and can access other benefits should do so, allowing Medicaid funds to go to those who truly need them,” she remarked.
Ernst also noted, “The overpayments in SNAP that the state has been generating must end.”
She explained that reforms in the budget bill are aimed at eliminating overpayments and ensuring that federal assistance is only given to those who qualify.
“The 1.4 million undocumented individuals receiving Medicaid benefits do not meet eligibility criteria, which is a significant issue,” she stated, concluding her point despite the crowd’s protests.
An Ernst spokesperson defended the senator, claiming she is “enhancing the lives of all Iowans” and accused Democrats of sowing fear for political gain.
“While Democrats aim to undermine Medicaid integrity, Senator Ernst remains committed to bettering the lives of all Iowans,” the spokesperson asserted.
“There are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. She works to alleviate both by ensuring that Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money and preventing misuse of benefits,” the aide added.
Updated at 12:36pm
Source: thehill.com