Dem Tammy Baldwin to force votes on Medicaid as it becomes sore point in budget fight

In a strategic move to hold Republicans in the Senate accountable for potential cuts to Medicaid, Democrats are gearing up to make their counterparts go on the record during Thursday evening’s “Vote-a-Rama.” The issue of Medicaid cuts has become a point of contention in budget discussions, particularly for Republicans in states that heavily rely on the program.

Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin who recently secured re-election in a state that also supported President Donald Trump, is spearheading this effort. She is introducing a series of amendments to the Senate GOP’s budget resolution aimed at safeguarding Medicaid. These amendments focus on preserving Medicaid access and funding for various vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, children, individuals struggling with addiction, residents in rural areas, and pregnant women.

Baldwin emphasized the importance of protecting Medicaid, stating, “Americans want us to lower the cost of their health care, not rip it away from new moms, seniors in long-term care, and poor kids.” She challenged Republicans to uphold their promises to safeguard Medicaid by voting in favor of these amendments.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats will also present a range of amendments for consideration. The first amendment of the evening will target the renewal of tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a priority for Trump. If passed, this amendment would prevent tax cuts for individuals earning over $1,000,000,000.

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, expressed concerns about potential Medicaid cuts, stating, “I don’t like the idea of massive Medicaid cuts. We should have no Medicare cuts of any kind.” These cuts could have significant implications for Republican-led states with substantial Medicaid coverage, such as Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Following a procedural vote on the budget last week, Senate Republicans triggered a 50-hour debate period that will conclude with the “Vote-a-Rama” on Thursday evening. During this marathon of votes, Senators can introduce unlimited amendments, forcing Republicans to take uncomfortable positions on Medicaid and other critical issues.

Despite Trump endorsing the House GOP’s budget resolution over the Senate’s, Vice President JD Vance reportedly gave GOP senators the green light to proceed with their budget plans. This sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown as Democrats and Republicans clash over Medicaid funding and other key priorities.

Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, is leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. Stay tuned for updates on the unfolding debate and its implications for Medicaid and healthcare policy. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.