During a debate over President Donald Trump‘s sweeping legislative package, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that “the best health care is a job,” according to news outlet kotatv.com.
The South Dakota senator added during Monday’s discussion with other Republican lawmakers that this was because jobs can provide helpful benefits that give employees access to health care.
Newsweek contacted Thune’s press office outside of regular working hours via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The ongoing budget and tax debate has profound implications for American families and individuals dependent on Medicaid and other social support programs.
The Republican-backed proposal aims to curb government spending with reforms that could reduce eligibility for programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), stirring fears among advocates that millions could lose essential benefits.
Estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office suggested up to 10 million Americans risk losing Medicaid coverage if proposed work requirements pass.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
What To Know
Thune’s comments came during a conversation about the proposed changes to Medicaid.
Part of the budget bill includes adapting eligibility for the program, meaning that enrollees would have to work for 80 hours a month as a minimum, unless medically exempt, in order to receive the benefit.
Thune reportedly said: “You know a lot of times health care comes with a job and so creating those better paying jobs that come with benefits is ultimately the goal here.”
His remarks reflect a broader Republican strategy to tie access to health care directly to employment benefits.
Proposed stricter work requirements for benefit recipients have provoked vocal protests during recent Republican town halls, including an incident involving Iowa Senator Joni Ernst.
When confronted by constituents who warned of tragic outcomes from the policy, Ernst replied, “Well, we are all going to die,” a comment that generated criticism for its perceived insensitivity.
House Democrats have unanimously opposed the legislation, calling it an attempt to “rip health care and food assistance away from millions of people in order to provide tax cuts to the wealthy, the well-off, and the well-connected.”
Thune also said extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts remained a priority in ongoing negotiations in the Senate, and that he hoped to “make some of these tax provisions permanent.”
He warned that without immediate action, “the average family that makes $80,000 dollars a year is going to see a $1,700 tax increase if Congress doesn’t act.”
He also noted that the child tax credit would revert from $2,000 to $1,000 with a halved standard deduction, and that there would be a $2.6-trillion tax increase next year for American families.
What People Are Saying
John Thune, Senate Majority Leader, said, according to the news outlet kotatv.com: “I talked about growing the economy. There are certain policies that generate growth in the economy. And that ultimately is what you want. A rising tide lifts all the boats.”
What Happens Next
The Senate will continue deliberations on the “Big Beautiful Bill,” with possible amendments, before an expected vote ahead of the July 4 deadline. The future of tax extensions and Medicaid work requirements will be determined by negotiations between Republican leaders, moderates, and Democrats.