Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), appeared on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins to discuss the ongoing federal budget negotiations with Senate Democrats and issues surrounding rural healthcare in the United States.

When asked about the likelihood of a government shutdown, Marshall said, “Well, Vegas is now saying 70 to 30 odds. I’m eternally hopeful. I think I would bet against it. I’m going to bet that will probably shut down, but I’m going to hopefully work if there’s an opportunity. Look, the Republicans want to keep the government open, but they also want to work towards a responsible budget.

“We think it doesn’t make any sense to us when we’re… asking Democrats to extend the budget they all voted for just last December. But instead, they want an additional $1.5 trillion, and that doesn’t seem fair. It doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.”

Marshall addressed proposed cuts in the rescissions package and questioned Democratic demands: “Well, I think that we should negotiate this thing out. And I think if the issue is like they’re saying, it’s the advanced extra subsidies from the Covid era that they’re worried about, we should talk about this. This isn’t all the subsidies. This is just a small fraction of them that came about in 2021. Look, this is meant to be for people with less than 400% poverty level. And instead, most of those extended subsidies are for people making over 400% poverty level.”

Regarding whether healthcare subsidies should end as Democrats propose: “Look, I’m going to negotiate about it. I would prefer to end them as they are. But certainly, if we’re going to continue, let’s go back to the way the AC was written, which was for people that were making less than 400% of the poverty level. I think that we need to make sure that we prioritize the help for the people who need it the most. Republicans want to help everybody. We want to make sure everybody has healthcare. Let’s make sure the ones that need it the most get the help.”

Marshall also commented on rural hospital funding: “97% of rural counties voted for President Trump. Every time I see him, he asks me, how is rural America doing? So he knows full well what’s going on there. I think what’s ironic is, why do Democrats want to take away the $50 billion rural transformation fund if they want to help rural hospitals? Why do they want to take that away at this late hour?

“And if rural hospitals are having any problems now or next year, that’s on the back of Democrat ACA policy. The ACA has been the law now for 15 years. All these things that we did in One Big Beautiful Bill won’t take effect for a year or two down the line.” He added blame should not be placed on former President Trump regarding current struggles faced by rural hospitals.

On Medicaid cuts’ impact on rural hospitals Marshall stated: “I think it’s because they don’t understand rural hospitals. Only 5% of Medicaid funding go to rural hospitals. We lose money on every Medicaid patient... Instead, the goal would be to get people off Medicaid... But Medicaid is a loser for every hospital...”

He further explained: “…with all due respect, this is a very small amount of funding... The problem with rural hospitals is local economy... If agriculture is struggling; rural America is going struggle…”

Addressing President Trump’s social media post related to budget negotiations and comments from Kaitlan Collins regarding its tone toward Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer:

“Look,” Marshall responded,“I think sometimes President plays with press like little boy and flashlight and dog... What he’s saying is this offer from Democrats is ridiculous... And then for Democrats sit there blame Republicans plight of rural hospitals just so wrong...”

Collins pressed further about appropriateness of video posted by President Trump; Marshall replied: “I think it’s said in jest.I think it’s President making fun couple people didn’t bring serious request White House.”