GOP Passes $3.3 Trillion Budget With Sweeping Social Cuts

The Republican Party passed a $3.3 trillion budget that implements deep cuts to social safety net programs to offset $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $300 billion for defense and immigration enforcement. The legislation specifically targets Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through funding reductions and expanded work requirements, while also reducing subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that approximately 12 million people will lose health care coverage, with 8.2 million of those losses occurring through ACA marketplaces. SNAP spending is projected to decrease by $295 billion over the next decade, and the age limit for work requirements will rise to 55. Feeding America estimates these cuts will result in a reduction of 6 billion to 9 billion meals annually.

State health programs and rural hospitals face significant strain, particularly in Kentucky, which could lose $12 billion in federal spending. The Kentucky Hospital Association warned that 20,000 jobs are at risk. Although the budget includes a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals available starting in 2027, analysts suggest this may not be sufficient to prevent facility closures.