Protesters Rally as GOP Moves Forward with $880 Billion Medicaid Cuts

Protests erupted outside the U.S. Capitol as hundreds rallied against proposed Medicaid cuts following the House Republicans' approval of a budget resolution aimed at extending President Trump's 2017 tax cuts. Advocates warn that the cuts could threaten access to essential services for 25 million Americans reliant on Medicaid, particularly low-income families. West Virginia's Senators, despite previously assuring constituents about protecting Medicaid, voted in favor of a plan that could lead to significant funding reductions, igniting further local concerns. Meanwhile, health care lobbyists have united against the proposed $880 billion cuts to Medicaid, emphasizing the potential fallout for hospitals and insurers, as well as millions of low-income Americans. House Speaker Mike Johnson maintains that Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid will not be eliminated, but critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, argue that the cuts represent an assault on vital safety net programs. The debate continues as lawmakers grapple with fiscal responsibility versus the protection of essential health services.