The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell - July 3 | Audio Only

Healthcare & Policy - The Republican bill is projected to cause 17 million Americans to lose healthcare coverage [2][9][37] - The bill is expected to devastate nursing homes and cut nutrition assistance for poor children [2] - The legislation could lead to the closure of rural hospitals, affecting healthcare access for entire communities [2][23][24] - Medicaid covers 40% of births, especially in rural areas, and cuts will worsen existing mortality penalties in rural America [41] - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is 15 years old, and Medicaid is 60 years old this year [34][35] Political Dynamics - House Republicans voted 218 to 214 to approve the budget bill, despite initial criticism from the Freedom Caucus [9] - Concerns were raised by Republicans about the bill's impact on the deficit and its failure to adhere to budget deal terms [5][7] - The bill includes the largest Medicaid cuts in history [19] - Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke for 8 hours and 45 minutes, setting a record for the longest House speech, to oppose the bill [16] - The bill is characterized as the largest upward transfer of wealth in American history [52] - Congressman Ro Khanna stated that crossing Donald Trump leads to political repercussions, influencing the bill's passage [55] - The bill is considered a massive giveaway to special interests [46] - A $4 trillion tax cut is included, which is seen as disproportionately benefiting billionaires [58][60][61] International Relations - Donald Trump had a phone call with Vladimir Putin, discussing Iran and the war in Ukraine, with no progress reported [69][70] - Putin's adviser stated that Trump and Putin are on the same page and that Russia does not want US involvement in peace talks with Ukraine [72][73] - The Trump administration is accused of withholding aid to Ukraine and easing sanctions against Russia [77] - Russia has massed 50,000 troops near the Ukrainian border city of Sumi [76]