Texas Democrats oppose Trump’s budget bill, fearing Medicaid cuts could leave millions uninsured.
HOUSTON — A fiery national debate is unfolding over President Trump’s proposed budget. While it extends the 2017 tax cuts, it also calls for slashing nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP—a lifeline for millions.
Experts say this proposed bill is another way to address the national budget deficit, hoping to make up for the tax cuts by overhauling Medicaid. But some say it’s a scary thought that resources might not be available one day.
Laid out in 1,000 pages, President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act lays out what his cabinet believes will help target the national deficit. Texas Democrats joined together today to denounce the bill.
“I am very much concerned about Medicaid,” said U.S. Congressman Al Green.
If passed, part of the bill could impact SNAP and Medicaid recipients. The bill aims to reduce $700 billion in spending, but it wouldn’t be implemented until 2029.
New requirements would ensure able-bodied adults work 80 hours per month, and users would need to verify eligibility twice a year. Democrats fear the changes will cost 7 million people their insurance coverage.
“We are senior citizens. Put themselves in our position. If it was their parents, what would they do?”
Ozell Booth lives in the Fifth Ward, and while his body is holding up now into his 70s, he wonders what’s next for him when his body tires.
“I’m not on Medicaid, but like I told you, one of these days, I might be on it and it might not be there anymore,” said Booth.
“I see Medicaid as one of those necessities of life, especially for people who may need long-term healthcare,” Green said.
Republicans say the bill would require able-bodied adults to fulfill work requirements until they are 64. Instead of parents being exempt from work until their child is 18, that exemption would only extend to people caring for a dependent under 7 years old.
“I’m very much concerned, and my hope is that we can defeat this. I really do pray that we can defeat it, because if we don’t defeat it, people really will die,” said Green.
KHOU 11 reached out to several local Republican lawmakers for comment, and the station is waiting to hear back. However, other Republican leaders say the budget cut proposals still won’t be enough to address the deficit. A vote is expected before Memorial Day.