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

Jair Bolsonaro’s Health Update: Former Brazilian President Successfully Undergoes Double Hernia Surgery

SAO PAULO – Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, is undergoing…

Track Santa’s Magical Journey: How Hawkins Co. Emergency Communications Keeps the Tri-Cities in the Holiday Spirit with Operation Santa Claus

In the heart of Hawkins County, Tennessee, the diligent team at Hawkins…

Trump Cautions Kids About ‘Bad Santa’ and Champions Coal in Festive Holiday Chats

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – On Christmas Eve, President Donald Trump engaged…

Asian Markets Show Varied Performance as US Stocks Hit New Highs

BANGKOK – On Thursday, Asian stock markets showed varied performance during a…

Knoxville Detention Upends Family Life, Says Friend of Detainee

In a dramatic turn of events, Diego Hernandez Garcia has returned to…

88-Year-Old Man Tragically Loses Life in Volusia County Single-Vehicle Accident, Report Troopers

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – On Wednesday afternoon, a tragic single-vehicle accident claimed…

Get Ready for a Heartwarming Holiday: Haven of Mercy Ministries Gears Up for Their Annual Christmas Feast

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Haven of Mercy Ministries is gearing up…

Moscow Proposes Deal to Paris: The Fate of a French Citizen Imprisoned in Russia Hangs in the Balance

The Kremlin announced on Thursday that it is in discussions with French…

Exiled Heir Returns: Son of Former Bangladesh PM Poised for Leadership After 17-Year Absence

In a significant political development, the son of a former Bangladeshi prime…

Central Florida Man’s Arrest Unfolds After Accidental Tag Error Lands Him on ‘Naughty List

In Volusia County, Florida, a man wanted by authorities found himself in…

Tragic Merritt Island Christmas Eve Fire Claims One Life: Community in Mourning

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – This year, a somber Christmas has enveloped a…

Stunning Christmas Eve Sunset Captured Over Tri-Cities: See the Photos

A warm Christmas Eve in the Appalachian region set the stage for…