Special Poll
- Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) emphasized the need for “hard decisions” on spending in the coming year, suggesting potential cuts to key social welfare programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- McCormick stated there are “hundreds of billions of dollars” that could be saved, adding that tackling these issues will require political will and bipartisan cooperation.
- Democrats have expressed concern that Republican efforts to reduce spending and offset proposed tax cuts could threaten the stability of these critical social safety nets.
- While McCormick supports budget cuts, he voiced opposition to reducing defense funding, stating, “I’m not a big fan of that.”
- President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to protect entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare but has not extended the same commitment to Medicaid.
- Medicaid remains a vital program, with over 88 million Americans—including approximately 40 million children—enrolled as of September 2023. It is also the largest source of federal funding for states.
- Questions about the future of social welfare programs come as Trump announced controversial appointments for healthcare leadership:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine activism, is slated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Dr. Mehmet Oz, a proponent of Medicare Advantage, has been nominated to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Medicare Advantage, a private-sector alternative to traditional Medicare, has faced criticism for issues like overbilling, limited provider networks, and denial of care. Dr. Oz has advocated expanding access to this program, promoting it during his 2022 Senate campaign in Pennsylvania.
These developments highlight the challenging discussions ahead regarding the balance between fiscal responsibility and maintaining essential social programs.