House Democrats on Tuesday opposed a Republican plan to offset the renewal of President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts by adding work requirements to entitlement programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
Proposal Overview
The proposal is part of a massive bill aimed at preserving Trump’s 2020 tax cuts. It would utilize reconciliation, allowing certain budget-related bills to be passed by both chambers of Congress with simple majorities. This approach is necessary because many moderate Republicans oppose raising taxes or cutting popular social safety net programs.
Biden’s Opposition
President Joe Biden has signaled his opposition to the plan through two separate pieces of legislation signed last week, which raise corporate income taxes starting January 1. These changes do not affect individual taxpayers until after the upcoming election cycle.
Democratic Concerns
A handful of Democratic members held a press conference on Tuesday morning ahead of a day-long markup session in committee rooms across Capitol Hill. They argued against provisions included in several committees’ plans that would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-D) stated, "We cannot afford these reckless policies. Medicaid is more cost efficient… I’m tired [of] all this nonsense about waste fraud."
Key Issues Raised
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Eligibility Verification: The proposal requires able-bodied adults without dependents aged under 54 to verify eligibility every six months instead of monthly. They must also participate in a minimum of eight hours per month through employment, education, training, or volunteering, or risk losing coverage altogether.
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Criticism from Ocasio-Cortez: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) criticized the proposal, stating, "These aren’t work requirements; these are paperwork requirements that are designed specifically to kick off people who they know are eligible." She emphasized the importance of access to healthcare, especially for those with disabilities or health issues that hinder full-time employment.
Republican Commitment
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has vowed to pass the bill through Congress and sign it into law if he becomes president next year. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), chairman of the House Republicans’ policy committee, noted McCarthy’s clear commitment to the proposal.
Concerns from the Biden Administration
Biden administration officials have expressed concern over how some provisions could impact low-income families struggling financially, particularly due to high inflation rates experienced since the pandemic began.
Additional Disagreements
Other areas of disagreement include recent changes to the Social Security Disability Insurance program, which affects individuals receiving benefits while still employed full-time.
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