Hakeem Jeffries warns spending bill will lead to millions losing health care

In the United States, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced grave concerns on June 1, 2025, predicting dire consequences from the so-called 'big, beautiful' spending bill. Speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union,' Jeffries asserted that the legislation would not only strip health care from approximately 14 million Americans but would also increase health care costs for many others. He condemned the bill as harmful to everyday Americans while benefiting the wealthy, highlighting that it includes the largest cut to nutritional assistance in American history. Jeffries emphasized that critical services, including hospitals and nursing homes, would close under this bill, leading to preventable deaths. Similarly, Senator Raphael Warnock expressed on NBC’s 'Meet the Press' that the legislation would 'throw poor people away.' He criticized proposed work-reporting requirements for Medicaid, stating they merely push sick individuals out of health care rather than incentivizing employment. Warnock referred to previous failed initiatives in Georgia and argued for debt-free access to health care to support a healthier, more productive workforce. In a contradictory response, House Speaker Mike Johnson maintained there would be no Medicaid cuts in the bill during his interview on the same program. He argued that the bill seeks to eliminate fraud and waste to preserve Medicaid for those truly in need, including young pregnant women, the disabled, and the elderly. Johnson pushed back against claims of harmful effects on rural hospitals and pointed to a significant number of individuals on Medicaid he believes should be working. As the legislation moves to the Senate, lawmakers and advocates are pressing for revisions, particularly concerning Medicaid and provisions affecting student loan repayments. With an anticipated Senate vote approaching in late June, there are concerns about cuts that could lead millions to lose coverage. The ongoing debate reflects a deep divide on health care and economic assistance in the U.S., and the fallout from this proposed legislation may have significant implications for vulnerable populations across the country.