Republicans’ $715 billion health care cut won’t work, but it will hurt millions

As Congress debates the future of America’s health care system, we hear the same recycled talking points from the far right: “Cut people off Medicaid. Make them work more. Crack down on fraud.” All in the name of cutting $715 billion from Americans’ health care to give tax breaks to the wealthy and giant corporations.

Let’s be clear — this is political theater, not fiscal responsibility.

The undocumented immigrants Republicans claim are taking Medicaid spending? The federal government doesn’t cover them.

The so-called “able-bodied” adults who should get a job? Many are working in low-wage jobs without health coverage or providing unpaid care to loved ones. Punishing them won’t shrink our deficit, but it will swell our emergency rooms.

And the idea of “waste, fraud, and abuse” being rampant in Medicaid? Republicans love to wave this false flag, but the truth is Medicaid is the leanest health care program in the country, spending less per-person while covering more people than Medicare.

Here’s the truth: to reach the kind of deep cuts Republicans are talking about, you would have to gut health care for seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities and millions of other working Americans. This isn’t about trimming fat — it’s about hacking into bone.

And the cutting won’t stop there. If Republicans pass catastrophic cuts to Medicaid, it will raise health care costs for everyone, threaten the finances of hospitals — especially those in rural communities — and risk shuttering the nursing homes that care for our loved ones.

As a proud member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has direct oversight over these vital health care services and the proposed cuts, I have a front-row seat to the human consequences these policies would unleash. And I can tell you — the American people are not on board.

Recent polls show that a majority of Americans — including Republicans — oppose such draconian cuts to health care. Americans want solutions, not slash-and-burn politics that leave their families at risk.

Instead of decimating people’s health care, we should focus on real reforms: lowering prescription drug costs, expanding preventive care, improving mental health services, and supporting families and workers. These are investments that strengthen our economy and our communities — not just line the pockets of the wealthy.

We need leaders who will stand up for people, not punch down on the vulnerable. I’m proud to be one of them, standing up for the people.

Troy A. Carter, Sr. represents Louisiana’s Second Congressional District and is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee