Sen. Hawley Votes Trump Budget Bill, Seeks Block Medicaid Cuts Missouri

Senator Josh Hawley voted in favor of President Donald Trump's massive budget legislation despite his strong opposition to the Medicaid cuts included in the bill. Hawley criticized the Medicaid provider tax changes, which limit state reimbursements, calling the cuts a mistake and pledging to fight to prevent them from taking effect in Missouri until at least 2030. He emphasized his commitment to protecting rural hospitals and highlighted successes such as increased funding for rural hospitals and the reauthorization of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for Missouri residents affected by nuclear waste exposure. Hawley acknowledged the political challenges his vote presents but justified it as a strategic decision to secure tangible benefits for his constituents. He also expressed willingness to work with Democrats on prescription drug pricing reforms to offset permanent tax cuts enacted by the bill. Overall, Hawley seeks to balance his support for the broader legislation with efforts to mitigate its negative impacts on healthcare access in his state.