Republican senators express concerns regarding the substantial spending cuts proposed by megaville’s GOP leader, aimed at advancing President Trump’s agenda. This week raises questions about whether the bill can secure enough votes for progression to the Senate floor.
The senator cautions that the Medicaid spending cuts approved by the House last month could severely impact rural hospitals and reduce state health insurance, noting they have yet to receive help from the leadership on this issue.
“I remain concerned about certain provisions of the bill. I’m not yet satisfied,” stated Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), highlighting Medicaid as a pivotal issue within the legislation.
“Overall, Medicaid is closely tied to the health of rural hospitals in Kansas and across America,” he added.
Moran emphasized he is “still advocating” for GOP leadership, insisting that these regulations need to be revised.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) informed reporters she was preparing to vote Monday afternoon, mentioning that her worries about Medicaid spending still lingered unresolved.
Last week, she proposed creating a healthcare provider relief fund to aid local hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers affected by funding cuts. However, by 5:30 PM on Monday, she was uncertain about the status of the relief proposal.
“I’m uncertain about my position right now,” she expressed regarding the bill’s Medicaid-related aspects. “I still oppose modifications to provider tax regulations.”
“We continue to believe a $100 billion provider relief fund is essential to support struggling rural hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers,” she stated.
Collins mentioned she would learn more about the recent changes to the law during a 6 PM briefing at the Senate GOP meeting.
Sen. Tom Tillis (R-N.C.) told reporters Monday afternoon that the Medicaid language needs “work,” which may take until the end of the week to address various issues.
“We have specific tasks to accomplish regarding Medicaid,” he remarked.
“I believe it could extend over a few days, likely not before Thursday,” he noted.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) plans to present the bill for a vote by Thursday or Friday this week.
He requires a simple majority to advance the legislation before moving on to a lengthy series of amendments referred to as the llama vote.
Thune stated that the bill remains “on-schedule,” though he acknowledged that it has been slowed down by the democratic objections raised by senators.
When asked if he had the votes needed to pass the bill, Thune replied: “I hope so.”
Source: thehill.com