Trump Administration's Budget Bill Could Strip Health Coverage for Millions

A significant budget bill backed by President Trump faces intense scrutiny in the Senate, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating it could lead to nearly 12 million losing health coverage and adding $3.3 trillion in debt.

A contentious budget proposal, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate, where Republicans are racing against a self-imposed July 4 deadline to pass the legislation before the recess. This sweeping bill has been analyzed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), asserting that it could strip health insurance from approximately 12 million Americans while amassing an additional $3.3 trillion in national debt.

With a slim Republican majority in the Senate holding 53 seats, party leaders have been working frantically to ensure support for the bill, which gained a narrow 51-49 approval in a preliminary vote over the weekend. Two Republican senators—Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky—joined Democrats in opposition, highlighting division within the party. Tillis, who announced he wouldn’t run for reelection, cited substantial healthcare funding cuts that would harm his state, while Paul decried the increase to the federal debt limit.

As legislative discussions continue, Democratic senators are employing procedural tactics to extend deliberation on the nearly 1,000-page document. Current Senate rules allocate 20 hours for debate, and the expectation is that Democrats will use all available time to slow the process as Republicans aim for a rapid passage. Further, any amendments proposed could complicate the bill's timelines, as it would need to return to the House of Representatives for final approval if it passes the Senate.

Critics, particularly from the Democratic side, have condemned the bill’s proposed cuts to Medicaid, a vital program for low-income and vulnerable Americans. Senator Mark Warner articulated that the changes are fundamentally tax cuts favoring the wealthiest while dismantling essential healthcare services. Under the proposed budget, over 80% of Americans are anticipated to receive a tax cut, although wealthier taxpayers would see greater percentage benefits in terms of income.

Proponents defend the bill as a necessary reform to tackle fraud and streamline spending, where Senator Markwayne Mullin emphasized a need for work requirements for Medicaid eligibility as a means to encourage upward mobility and self-sufficiency.

The budget bill encompasses several core components, including extending past tax cuts and presenting new economic incentives, though controversial cuts to healthcare, rural hospital funding, and food assistance programs are prominent features that have sparked considerable debate amongst lawmakers.

As the Senate deliberates the fate of the bill, President Trump has characterized its advancement as a significant victory, while the Democratic opposition vows to continue fighting against provisions they argue would have detrimental effects on millions of Americans relying on government healthcare support.