Summary
Republican Senator Ron Johnson decided to support President Trump's tax and spending bill after expressing satisfaction with Trump's promise to cut federal spending. Johnson, who initially voted against it, cast the deciding vote to advance the bill, which includes significant tax cuts and changes to Medicaid. The bill has sparked debate over potential impacts on Medicaid and state budgets.
Key Facts
- Senator Ron Johnson initially opposed but later supported President Trump's tax and spending bill.
- The bill proposes $4 trillion in tax cuts and changes to Medicaid, the health program for low-income individuals.
- The bill includes new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps people buy food.
- Johnson’s support followed discussions with Trump about reducing federal spending to pre-pandemic levels.
- Johnson criticized the $1.9 trillion average annual deficit during President Biden’s term.
- Some lawmakers, including GOP Senator Thom Tillis, oppose the bill due to potential high costs for states if Medicaid changes are implemented.
- Johnson supports an amendment to end the federal government’s cost-sharing for certain Medicaid enrollees by 2030.
- The bill faces scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about the impact on Medicaid coverage.
