Senate Parliamentarian Blocks GOP Medicaid Cuts

Senate Republicans' plans to pass President Trump's major tax and spending bill have suffered a major setback after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that key Medicaid provisions violate budget reconciliation rules. This decision removes over $250 billion in proposed health care cuts, undermining the bill's strategy to offset the cost of extending Trump-era tax cuts and threatening its prospects in the closely divided Senate. GOP leaders must now strip or revise the disputed provisions, while Democrats welcome the development as a protection for vulnerable Americans and rural hospitals. Several Republican senators continue to oppose deep Medicaid cuts due to concerns over coverage losses and rural hospital funding. Public opposition remains high, with critics highlighting disproportionate benefits for the wealthy and increased federal deficits. As the July 4 deadline approaches, Republican leaders are urgently seeking new ways to revise the bill or identify alternative savings.