“They’re Going to Die”: Comment Sparks Controversy Over Medicaid Cuts
Posted on06/02/25 at 20:56
- Ernst Downplays Deaths from Medicaid Cuts
- Murphy Responds Sharply
- Medicaid Faces Deep Changes
According to USA TODAY, the incident occurred on May 30 during a town hall meeting in Parkersburg, Iowa.
A member of the audience interrupted Ernst, shouting, “People will die!” in reference to the proposed Medicaid cuts.
The senator, visibly uncomfortable, responded, “People don’t… well, we’re all going to die. For God’s sake, folks.”
The video was widely shared on social media and sparked outrage.
Medicaid Reform Would Affect Millions
Chris Murphy, Democratic senator from Connecticut, reacted in an interview with CNN.
“I think everyone in that audience knows they’re going to die,” Murphy said.
“They’d just prefer to die of old age, at 85 or 90, rather than die at 40,” he added.
Murphy accused Republicans of causing hospital and clinic closures through their policies.
Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts
“When drug treatment clinics close in Iowa, more people will die at younger ages,” he warned.
The bill passed by the House of Representatives imposes deep cuts to Medicaid.
This program provides health insurance to over 71 million low-income individuals.
Among the changes are new work requirements for childless adults beginning in 2026.
Ernst Responds to Criticism with Sarcasm
More frequent eligibility checks and restrictions on covering migrant children are also proposed.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that at least 7.6 million people will lose medical coverage.
The cuts would save the government $625 billion over a decade.
Following the backlash, Ernst posted a mocking video to “apologize.”
Reform Faces Obstacles in the Senate
“I want to sincerely apologize for saying that we’re all going to die,” she said sarcastically.
She even joked that she held back from talking about the Tooth Fairy.
Republicans defend the plan as an effort to rein in Medicaid waste.
They claim the changes are meant to protect the program and prevent fraud.
Debate Over Medicaid Cuts Continues
Senator Ron Johnson said this is “our only chance to bring spending back to reasonable levels.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the legislation represents an “investment in the economy.”
Democrats warn that the most affected will be residents of rural areas.
Murphy emphasized that many of those voters live in communities where Medicaid is essential.
Uncertain Future for GOP Reform
Mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, and community hospitals are at risk.
Preventable deaths, he said, will increase if the reform is passed.
Although Republicans control the House, the bill faces obstacles in the Senate.
Some Republican senators believe the reform is too costly.