POLITICS: Tillis raises roadblocks for Trump-backed megabill – USSA News

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis recently announced his stance against President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill due to concerns about how it could impact Medicaid funding in North Carolina.

While Tillis is generally supportive of the bill, he believes the Medicaid sections need amendments to protect the state’s rural communities and hospitals, as Breitbart reports, a position sure to infuriate the president.

The North Carolina senator expressed his opinion that the bill, as currently drafted, could lead to tens of billions of dollars being cut from Medicaid funding in his state. This potential shortfall might significantly affect hospitals and rural communities that heavily depend on such funding.

Tillis talks Medicaid

Tillis warned of the potential need for North Carolina to withdraw Medicaid coverage from hundreds of thousands within the expansion demographic while also reducing essential services for those traditionally covered by Medicaid.

These concerns compelled him to take a tough stance, asserting that he would act in the best interest of his constituents even if it meant going against his party.

In an effort to address the situation, Tillis proposed reintroducing the Medicaid reforms suggested by the House. These included provisions such as work requirements for certain adult beneficiaries and measures aimed at fighting fraud.

Despite his reservations about the Medicaid aspects, Tillis maintained support for other elements of the bill. These included extending the Trump Tax Cuts, broadening the child tax credit, investing in border security, and cutting wasteful spending.

Controversies continue as debate press on

Interestingly, Tillis was instrumental in the development of some parts of the bill. Notably, he included a contentious clause imposing a new tax on profits made by third-party entities funding civil lawsuits.

This element of the bill has drawn criticism from groups such as Consumers’ Research.

Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, argued that the law’s provision is excessively broad. He lamented that it undermines a valuable tool that ordinary Americans use to counteract actions by influential corporations.

The Senate parliamentarian also intervened in the legislative process, removing several essential Medicaid-related components from the bill.

This included a tax on providers and language pertaining to Medicaid coverage for transgender procedures and specific benefits for unauthorized immigrants.

Senator stands firm

Democrats have criticized the bill, relying on studies from the University of North Carolina’s Sheps Center and Manatt Health Strategies to reinforce their points. However, critics of these studies have sometimes labeled them as biased or flawed.

Despite the hurdles, Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the Republican Party has contingency plans in place to address the challenges the bill faces. These plans might help guide the bill through the Senate.

Tillis has stated, “I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party.” This highlights his commitment to his constituents in the face of political pressure.

Legislation’s fate in the balance

In summary, the proposed legislation, known as Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, has sparked considerable debate. The bill’s journey through the legislative process will likely continue to be eventful, as supporters and opponents grapple with its implications for Medicaid and beyond.

The focus now shifts to the Senate, where ongoing discussions and amendments will determine the bill’s future. Stakeholders on all sides are actively engaging in shaping the outcome.

Observers will be watching closely as the legislative process unfolds, aware that the changes and compromises made could have significant implications. In the coming weeks, the direction of this critical piece of legislation will become clearer.

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