Senate Parliamentarian Rejects Key Medicaid Provision in GOP Tax Plan, Senator Durbin Expresses Relief

Washington D.C. - The Senate parliamentarian has reportedly struck down a crucial Medicaid provision included in the Republican Party's proposed tax and spending plan. This decision is perceived as a significant setback for the bill. Senator Dick Durbin, interviewed on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe,' welcomed the ruling, calling it 'a relief.' He emphasized the non-partisan and professional approach of the parliamentarian. Senator Durbin voiced strong opposition to the proposed cuts, particularly those affecting health insurance for millions of American families and nutrition programs like SNAP. He highlighted that the 'provider tax' is utilized by nearly every state to ensure adequate resources for healthcare. Durbin asserted that it makes 'no sense whatsoever' to ask 16 million American families to lose health insurance to provide a a $346,000 annual tax break for the wealthiest individuals. He stressed the importance of ensuring that any tax breaks benefit working families struggling paycheck to paycheck, rather than the super-rich.