Senator Joni Ernst Faces Backlash Over Medicaid Cuts at Iowa Town Hall
Senator Joni Ernst's comments on Medicaid cuts at a town hall in Iowa sparked outrage among constituents concerned about healthcare and food assistance.
Joni Ernst defends 'big, beautiful bill' Medicaid changes in town hall
Washington Examiner
Overview
During a contentious town hall in Iowa, Senator Joni Ernst faced backlash after stating, "Well, we all are going to die," in response to concerns about Medicaid and SNAP cuts. Constituents expressed fears that Trump's proposed bill would jeopardize healthcare for vulnerable populations. Ernst defended the bill, claiming it would protect eligible individuals, but her comments drew jeers and accusations of indifference. Critics highlighted that the House version of the bill could leave over 7 million uninsured and cut Medicaid funding by nearly $700 billion over a decade, raising alarms among Democrats and healthcare advocates.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
- The article presents a critical view of the Republican Party's policies under Trump.
- It emphasizes the negative impact of proposed cuts to essential services.
- The framing suggests the party's stance is harmful to vulnerable populations.
Articles (10)
Center (5)
"…It’s a swift and simple response to people like Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who said in a statement that the GOP tax-cut bill that was recently passed in the U.S. House 'includes sweeping policies that would harm the health of children and families.'"
USA TODAY·1M·"…Audience members at the Butler County, Iowa, event raised concerns that proposed cuts to Medicaid under the Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' being mulled in the Senate could threaten the lives of individuals who lose access to health care or food benefits."
ABC News·1M·"…Facing several constituents concerned about cuts to Medicaid, she defended the $700 billion in reduced spending, saying it would keep immigrants in the U.S. illegally and those who have access to insurance through their employers off the rolls."
Associated Press·1M·"…Democrats pounced on Ernst's "going to die" line, with Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin saying she "said the quiet part out loud.""
NBC News·1M·"…At one point, a woman shouted "people will die!" Ernst responded by saying, "people are not — well, we all are going to die.""
USA TODAY·1M·FAQ
The proposed Medicaid cuts are expected to decrease Medicaid enrollment by 10.3 million nationwide, with 58,084 affected in Iowa, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The reforms include imposing Medicaid work requirements on able-bodied adults aged 19-64 without dependents. They must work, volunteer, or attend school for at least 80 hours a month to maintain coverage.
The proposed bill could cut Medicaid funding by nearly $700 billion over a decade.
History
- 1M6 articles
