A resolution proposed on May 5 by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) aims to block any attempt to cut essential healthcare and nutrition services for America’s senior citizens, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities through the budget reconciliation process.
Rep. Nunn introduced House Resolution (H.Res.) 382, alongside two Republican cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), to protect Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“Medicaid gives more than 150,000 people in our communities access to medical care, while SNAP ensures that 60,000 individuals know where their next meal is coming from,” Rep. Nunn said on May 2 following a tour of the MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, where he heard from doctors about the impact these programs have on Iowa families.
“Today, I heard from doctors and patients about why defending these critical programs is so important, and how my legislation will ensure D.C. cuts do not impact vulnerable Iowans,” the lawmaker added.
If enacted, H.Res. 382 would call for establishing a new rule that would prohibit consideration of any budget reconciliation bill that reduces Medicaid or SNAP enrollment or benefits for individuals aged 19 years and under, individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities, according to a summary provided by the lawmaker’s staff.
At the same time, the resolution does not prevent Congress from moving forward with targeted efforts to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in these programs, the summary says.
“Government watchdogs estimate that upwards of $500 billion was lost to benefit and Social Security fraud between 2018 and 2022,” said Rep. Nunn. “Every dollar lost to an improper payment or a criminal scamming the system takes resources away from Iowans who need these programs to put food on the table or access healthcare.
“The mission we have in front of us in the budget process is to find and eliminate fraud while protecting benefits for those who deserve them,” the congressman added.
The Iowa Hospital Association endorsed the resolution, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Rules Committee.