Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has expressed concern over the internal conflict within the Republican Party regarding Medicaid and social insurance programs. In an op-ed, he highlighted a division between those advocating for working-class support and others pushing for corporate interests.

Hawley noted that former President Trump had promised tax cuts and protection for social insurance like Medicaid. However, some Republicans are advocating for cuts to these programs, which Hawley describes as "morally wrong and politically suicidal."

Medicaid is crucial in Missouri, where it serves over one million residents. The state's voters mandated Medicaid expansion in 2020, with 21% of Missourians benefiting from it or CHIP. Cuts to Medicaid would lead to loss of healthcare for workers and potential hospital closures.

A constituent shared her story with Hawley about how Medicaid supports her daughter's medical needs, stating that without it, they would face financial ruin.

Hawley argues that Congress should focus on making healthcare more affordable rather than cutting benefits. He cited Trump's stance against reducing Medicaid benefits: “We are doing absolutely nothing to hurt Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security.”

Polling indicates strong Republican support for Medicaid, with many having personal connections to the program. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently withdrew support from aggressive Medicaid cuts following this sentiment.

Hawley criticized The Wall Street Journal's editorial board for supporting benefit reductions, arguing such actions would harm efforts to become a working-class party.

He emphasized the need for Republicans to protect social insurance programs due to economic challenges faced by working families over recent decades. Hawley believes fulfilling America's promise requires ignoring calls to cut Medicaid and focusing on improving lives through better jobs and wages.