Congressman Van Drew has issued a statement regarding the passage of H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation package, through the House of Representatives. The Congressman emphasized that the bill does not include cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security for those these programs are meant to serve.
Van Drew stated, “This morning, House Republicans passed the budget reconciliation package,” and addressed what he described as misinformation from opponents of the bill. He provided clarifications on several aspects of the legislation.
On Medicaid, Van Drew countered claims that millions would lose coverage by stating that “Medicaid for eligible individuals remains fully funded and protected.” He explained that changes focus on closing loopholes and introducing work requirements for certain adults without dependents.
Regarding Medicare, Van Drew refuted assertions of a $500 billion cut by explaining that “Medicare remains untouched, unharmed, and fully funded.” He noted that this figure is linked to a technical scoring mechanism rather than actual policy changes within the bill.
For Social Security, Van Drew assured there are no alterations to eligibility or benefits. The bill includes a $4,000 tax deduction for seniors over 65 but does not address taxes on Social Security due to Senate rules. However, he introduced H.R. 904 aiming to eliminate such taxes.
In terms of SNAP benefits, Van Drew clarified they remain intact under the new legislation with reforms targeting administrative costs rather than benefit reductions. States with high error rates in payments will share in administrative costs to enhance oversight and reduce fraud.
Van Drew mentioned other significant provisions like maintaining 2017 tax cuts and eliminating federal taxes on tips and overtime pay. Environmental mandates from Biden’s administration would be repealed while resuming oil leasing on federal lands is prioritized alongside border security investments totaling over $140 billion.
The Congressman concluded by noting potential amendments as the bill proceeds to the Senate: “I do want to note the version the House voted on is not the final version of the bill.”
