CBO projects approximately 12 million individuals to experience a loss of health insurance.

A bill being debated in the US Senate could potentially diminish health insurance for approximately 12 million Americans and increase the national debt by $3.3tn, based on recent estimates. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects these outcomes, which could hinder Republican efforts to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced by President Donald Trump. The bill survived an initial vote on Saturday but faces opposition from some lawmakers. Democratic politicians have been vocal in criticizing the measure, calculating a reduction of $1tn in funding for healthcare. Senate Republicans, with a narrow majority and potentially facing up to three defections, are struggling to muster enough support. To slow the voting process, Democrats have invoked Senate rules to require a lengthy reading session of the bill. Both the House and Senate must approve the bill before it can be signed into law by the President, who has urged Congress to act swiftly. The bill includes a mix of Republican priorities, such as tax cuts, and alterations to social programs, including healthcare and food stamps, but also aims to combat fraud within these systems. Adjustments have been made to the bill to win over hesitant Republican supporters, including increased funding for rural hospitals. However, the proposed changes to Medicaid and the limits on federal food assistance remain contentious issues, sparking debate and uncertainty around the bill’s ultimate passage.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2verel4nlo