River Bend Times

Senate Democrats have expressed concerns over legislation they say would benefit the wealthiest Americans while compromising health care for millions. In a letter addressed to the American public, the senators warned about forthcoming Republican initiatives that aim to provide substantial tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and large corporations, funded by significant cuts to health care resources.

The letter emphasized: "The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are planning to give another round of tax handouts to the ultra-wealthy and corporations that are paid for by gutting the health care you and your family need to stay safe and healthy." The senators further stated, "We write to make our position on this legislation perfectly clear: Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by ripping health care away from millions of Americans."

The document was spearheaded by Senator Ron Wyden, a key figure in the Senate Finance Committee, along with Jeff Merkley from the Senate Budget Committee, Bernie Sanders from the Senate HELP Committee, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. This warning coincides with Republican efforts to pass a budget resolution that would potentially lead to severe Medicaid reductions totaling around $880 billion. It would also remove tax credits that assist individuals in acquiring insurance via the Affordable Care Act's Marketplace.

The letter highlighted the consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts. "Hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicaid cuts will terminate health insurance for millions of Americans and shutter hospitals, doctors’ offices, and nursing homes, among other essential health care providers," it read. In addition, it forecasted that with the removal of tax credits, insurance premiums would increase, resulting in approximately 3.8 million people losing coverage annually unless there is Republican intervention. Those expected to be most affected include small business owners, food service and construction workers, and family caregivers.

The full text of the letter is available for the public.