One step closer…
Any hope that at least a few senators would show some backbone is gone, as they passed Trump’s horrible bill. Even as they were warned that this bill would leave millions uninsured, they decided to forge ahead with it. Hopefully, those who will be most impacted by the cuts to Medicaid will finally see their folly in continuing to vote Republican. Unfortunately, this bell cannot be unrung.
Trump’s tax cuts from 2017 that primarily benefitted the rich are now permanent. The bill also gives an inordinate amount of money to ICE for immigration activities, and it repealed most, if not all, of the green-energy incentives written into law by President Biden. Republicans not only don’t care about the people, but they obviously have a similar level of disdain for the planet.
In the end, Rand Paul, Thom Tillis, and Susan Collins all voted “no.” Had Murkowski grown a backbone, the bill would not have passed, but senators sneaked in a “bribe,” which saved Alaskans from the harshest cuts. Murkowski had the nerve to tell ABC News that she “struggled mightily with the [bill’s] impact on the most vulnerable in this country.” Had she really been concerned, she would have voted “no.” While Murkowski gave some self-serving speech about how she works for Alaska, she showed her selfishness by being concerned about people in Alaska only. What about people in the other 49 states? Do they not matter? The bill of horror is now headed back to the House for final approval.
Mike Johnson is, of course, pushing to get the bill passed before the July 4 holiday. After the senate voted, Johnson issued a statement: “The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democratic failure, we intend to deliver without delay.” Sorry, Johnson. First, Trump was not delivered a “mandate” in any sense of the word. Second, Americans did not vote you into office to lose their healthcare. Republicans continue to show that their focus is not on the American people, at least not the poor and middle class.
Even as Mike Johnson attempted to blow smoke up everyone’s asses, this bill is not popular among the American people. According to Time magazine, this legislation is the most hated piece of major legislation since 1990. ABC News spoke with several people who rely on the very things Republicans plan to cut. Tanja (last name withheld) receives both Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Ruben Bastell is a lab tech in New York. He said roughly 4 in 10 of their patients are on Medicaid. Micah Gold-Market, who owns a solar company in Philadelphia, is afraid he will have to lay off half his workforce thanks to energy credits being rolled back. Interestingly, many of his employees voted for Trump, and they will be able to thank him for being unemployed.
The people who elected Donald Trump to the presidency are likely thinking long and hard about their vote, which they should have done sooner. Now, they will suffer the consequences of that vote. The problem with their choice is that others will also suffer.
Shirley is a former entertainment writer and has worked in the legal field for over 25 years