Bulwark Takes GOP FLIPS OUT As Trump’s Healthcare Cuts GUTTED
Jun 26, 2025
Jonathan Cohn, an acclaimed author and healthcare policy expert, joins Sam Stein to dissect the GOP's recent healthcare turmoil after significant Medicaid cuts were blocked. Cohn reveals the implications of the Senate parliamentarian's ruling and explores whether Republicans can pivot from this setback. He demystifies the reconciliation process and the Byrd rules, illustrating its complexities. The conversation highlights how these changes could affect low-income Americans and the broader political landscape, raising questions about accountability in healthcare legislation.
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Role of Senate Parliamentarian
- The Senate parliamentarian enforces rules limiting what can be included in budget reconciliation bills.
- Their decisions can significantly alter legislation, removing non-germane provisions.
Significant Medicaid Cuts Removed
- The recent ruling cut $250-$400 billion in Medicaid cuts from the bill for being non-germane.
- This is one of the largest removals to date, forcing Republicans to find alternative cuts or adjustments.
Medicaid Provider Tax Explained
- States use a legal provider tax on healthcare providers to draw more federal Medicaid funds.
- The bill seeks to clamp down on this tax, reducing federal funds to states and potentially coverage.