Joco Today

On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas appeared on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show with Lawrence Jones to discuss the Republican reconciliation bill and its implications for Medicaid.

Marshall emphasized the bill's alignment with former President Trump's agenda, stating, “We just got to get this bill across the floor here. This is the start of a new golden era for Americans. This is President Trump’s agenda being laid out. This is going to fund President Trump’s agenda. If you supported President Trump, you should support this bill. It’s going to secure the border, it’s going to lower your taxes by $1,000 a month – we all need to rally behind it.”

Addressing Medicaid, Marshall expressed his disagreement with Senator Thom Tillis and outlined how the bill would protect vulnerable groups: “I disagree with him [Senator Thom Tillis], respectfully disagree. This bill is going to strengthen Medicaid. We’re going to strengthen it for those who need it the most. We protect it for seniors in nursing homes, people with disabilities, pregnant women – those types of folks."

He also highlighted provisions aimed at rural America: “And then for rural America, we’re going to have a special stabilization fund as well. There’s going to be work requirements, so as long as you’re willing to work 20 hours a week... So if you lose Medicaid, it’s on you.”

Marshall elaborated on how work requirements could bolster Medicaid: “.. A couple of points I just have to make Lawrence – you know, number one is there 7 million healthy American men out there, working age, that are not working... Second point is this, we’re actually increasing funding for Medicaid... So when they talk about people not being on Medicaid anymore, half of those people are on it because of fraud or some type of abuse of the system.”

He concluded by emphasizing job opportunities and dignity: “The other half is because they’re unwilling to work 20 hours a week... We want to help you find a job – a job brings dignity. It brings purpose.”