Lawmakers voice concerns over potential cuts to rural hospitals in budget bill
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties express concerns over potential cuts to rural hospitals, which complicate President Donald Trump’s extensive budget proposal.

The Senate version of the package includes a Medicaid cut that would reduce what’s known as the provider tax for states.

“In my state, half of the hospitals serve rural areas,” commented U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, (R-Mo.). “I grew up in a community of 4,000 residents. I’ve experienced this firsthand. It’s a significant issue.”

“Threatening at least nine at-risk rural hospitals across the state,” said U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, (D-Ill.).

Kelly said the proposed cuts couldn’t come at a worse time for Illinois and the rest of the country.

“Right now, our country is in the middle of a maternal mortality crisis, and Medicaid covers half of births nationwide,” she said.

A report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform found one-third of all rural hospitals face closures.

“It’s just a proposal so it’s too early to talk about what is going to happen and what’s not,” said U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, (R-Okla.).

Mullin noted there is still an opportunity to discuss terms, while Hawley proposed a compromise: adapting the House’s version of the bill, which halts the tax instead of cutting it.

“I would think that would be easy to do,” Hawley said. “That’s what probably our leadership should have done.”

The White House wouldn’t say whether the president would sign a bill with the cuts.

“I won’t comment on that specific provision,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “Look, the bill hasn’t been sent to the president’s desk yet. There’s more room for change.”

However, President Trump still wants the legislation passed by July 4, and Senate staffers are working through the weekend to try to meet that deadline.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Pentagon Boosts Rio Grande Security with Enhanced Coast Guard Patrols: A Strategic Response

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to hold a press conference on Thursday…

Spooky Weather Alert: Chilling Halloween Cold Front Set to Haunt Your Town!

ORLANDO, Fla. – Though recent “cold fronts” have left us wanting more,…

Stay Alert: Tropical Storm Melissa Intensifies, Tampa Bay Prepares for Impact

VALRICO, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane…

Bristol, TN Awarded $48,000 Grant to Enhance Parks and Recreation Planning

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Bristol, Tennessee, is among 18 locales across the…

Survey Reveals Texans’ Divided Opinions on Trump’s Immigration Policies

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) A recently released poll highlights a divide among…

Effingham Hit-and-Run: Suspect Identified in Unusual Scooter-Golf Cart Collision

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Authorities have named the individual suspected of involvement…

Trump Delays Federal Surge in San Francisco, Grants Additional Time to Mayor

A planned increase in federal enforcement in San Francisco has been temporarily…

Japan’s Prime Minister Commits to Strengthening Defense Amid Growing Regional Challenges

In Tokyo, newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her inaugural…

Suspected Bank Robber Apprehended in Jasper County

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. – Authorities in Jasper County have apprehended a suspect…

Danville School Board’s Unanimous Decision: Administrator Dismissal Sparks Change

In a decisive move, the Danville Board of Education has chosen to…

St. Joseph-Ogden Soccer Team Aims to Continue Winning Streak After Remarkable Season

ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) – The St. Joseph-Ogden boys’ soccer team showcased…

Local Star Quarterback from New Hampstead Shines in SSU Homecoming Game

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah State Tigers are gearing up for their…