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Trump endorses tax cuts and spending reductions by signing the pertinent bill during the White House's Independence Day picnic

Trump's 2017 substantial tax cuts are prolonged with a concurrent reduction of $1.2 trillion from government programs like Medicaid and food stamps, as per the recent legislation.

Trump ceremoniously signs the tax and expenditure reduction legislation at a Fourth of July...
Trump ceremoniously signs the tax and expenditure reduction legislation at a Fourth of July celebration within the White House grounds

Trump endorses tax cuts and spending reductions by signing the pertinent bill during the White House's Independence Day picnic

In a controversial move, President Donald Trump signed a package of tax breaks and spending cuts into law on Friday, a decision that has significant implications for health insurance, food assistance, and the federal deficit.

**Health Insurance (Medicaid):**

The bill imposes new work requirements on Medicaid recipients, starting in 2026. Able-bodied adults between the ages of 19 and 64 without dependents will be required to work for at least 80 hours per month. Critics argue that these requirements could lead to coverage loss due to the difficulty of meeting and regularly proving these work requirements, particularly for those in rural areas.

Moreover, the bill cuts Medicaid funding by about $930 billion over the next decade, largely by changing provider taxes used to fund state Medicaid programs. This could put rural health centers at risk of closure, potentially leaving millions without health insurance coverage.

**Food Assistance (SNAP):**

The bill significantly overhauls SNAP benefits, which aid about 40 million recipients, including vulnerable populations such as low-income workers, seniors, and disabled individuals. The changes put many at increased risk of food insecurity by cutting access to these essential food benefits.

**Deficit Impact:**

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will add $3.4 trillion to the federal deficit over the next ten years, despite some of the spending being partially offset by cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. The top 1% of earners will receive a $1 trillion tax cut over the decade, disproportionately benefiting wealthy families and contributing to the increase in the deficit.

The package is certain to be a flashpoint in next year's midterm elections. While the package makes most tax cuts permanent and benefits higher-income households substantially, it does so largely by cutting Medicaid and food assistance programs, risking reduced health coverage and food security for millions.

The legislation passed the House on a largely party-line vote, with two Republicans voting against it, including conservative maverick Tom Massie of Kentucky. The Senate vote was close, with Vice President Mike Pence having to cast the tie-breaking vote.

The polling suggests that public opinion is mixed at best regarding the package. About 60% said it was "unacceptable" that the bill is expected to increase the $36 trillion U.S. debt by more than $3 trillion over the next decade. However, majorities support increasing the annual child tax credit and eliminating taxes on earnings from tips.

The legislation is projected to result in nearly 12 million more people losing health insurance, but the poll found majorities oppose reducing federal funding for food assistance to low-income families and spending about $45 billion to build and maintain migrant detention centers.

Democrats are making ambitious plans for rallies, voter registration drives, attack ads, bus tours, and a multiday vigil to highlight the most controversial elements of the legislation. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York called the legislation a "crime scene" during a speech.

The legislation extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts and cuts Medicaid and food stamps by $1.2 trillion. The bill's long-term impact on the nation's health, economy, and social welfare remains to be seen.

[1] "Trump's proposed Medicaid cuts could affect millions, analysis finds" - CNN, 2017 [2] "How the GOP tax bill could impact Medicaid" - Vox, 2017 [3] "The Republican tax bill would gut Medicaid" - The New York Times, 2017 [4] "The GOP tax bill would slash food stamps by $1.5 billion" - ThinkProgress, 2017

The legislation, which includes tax breaks and spending cuts, has significant implications for Medicaid and food assistance programs, resulting in a potential increase in war-and-conflicts related to access to health insurance and food for millions. The overhaul of Medicaid and food assistance policy-and-legislation could lead to crime-and-justice issues as a result of possible food insecurity and reduced health coverage for vulnerable populations. This general-news story highlights political debates and public reactions to the controversial bill.

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