Welcome back. And joining me now is Republican Senator John Baraso of Wyoming. Senator Baraso, welcome back to Meet the Press.Good to be with you. Thank you. It's wonderful to have you back.Let's start with President Trump's escalating trade war this week announcing uh that he may impose tariffs of up to 35% against Canada. Worth noting in your home state of Wyoming, more than half of imports come from Canada. Canada supports about 13,000 jobs in Wyoming.Are President Trump's tariffs going to hurt Wyoming. ...

Medicaid Coverage & Healthcare Access - Congressional Budget Office estimates 138,000 to 175,000 Connecticut residents could lose Medicaid coverage due to the new legislation [1][2] - The legislation may cause families, including veterans with 100% disability, to lose healthcare coverage and SNAP benefits, potentially impacting their ability to afford groceries [3] - Urban and rural hospitals in Connecticut, particularly those heavily reliant on Medicaid reimbursements, may face potential closures or service cuts [8][9][10] - Cutting healthcare access leads to increased uncompensated care costs as people delay treatment and rely on emergency rooms [12] State & Federal Fiscal Impact - The federal government is cutting $50 million from after-school programs and reducing fresh produce availability at food banks [5] - The federal deficit is projected to increase by $3 trillion to $5 trillion [5] - Connecticut has set aside approximately $4 billion in a "rainy day fund" to protect vulnerable populations from potential cuts in Medicaid and education spending [17] Political & Electoral Implications - The Trump administration's policies may disproportionately affect working-class individuals who supported President Trump, creating a need for justification of the policies [16] - Republican governors may face challenges in addressing the impact of these cuts on their constituents, many of whom voted for President Trump [13][15] - Blue states may be more affected by Medicaid cuts compared to red states, which received $50 billion for their hospitals [11]

Immigration & Labor Market - The agricultural industry faces labor shortages due to fears of ICE raids deterring migrant workers [1] - The administration's proposed solution involves automation and utilizing 34 million able-bodied adults in the Medicaid program [3][4] - Approximately half of America's farm workers are undocumented, potentially affecting the affordability of produce if deported, which could be upwards of 3 million people [11][12] Medicaid & Workforce - Analysis of Medicaid recipients reveals that 38% are children, 17% live in rural areas, and 15% have three or more chronic conditions [6] - A majority (70%) of Medicaid adults are already working (44% full-time, 26% part-time), while the remaining 30% are not working due to caregiving responsibilities, illness, or disability [6][7] Political & Economic Implications - The Secretary of Agriculture faces conflicting pressures between supporting the agricultural industry's need for labor and the President's promise to deport undocumented workers [12] - The administration's policies are criticized for showing disdain towards poor and working people, particularly regarding farm workers and Medicaid recipients [14]

Josh Stein is the 76th governor of the state of North Carolina. First year in office. I think I got to break it to you.It doesn't get any easier from here. No. Congratulations.We're really excited here in North Dakota. We we are open for business. Since January 1, we have announced more than $20 billion of investment producing over 23,000 jobs here in North Carolina.We're one of the third fastest growing state in the country. We have a solid growing economy. But it's all about our people.We have the most ta ...

Trump's tax law gives billionaires a break right away — but buries brutal Medicaid and SNAP cuts until after the 2026 midterms, writes @MaryEllenKlas (via @opinion) https://t.co/k5efWDfqTz ...

Now, Democratic Congresswoman Sarah McBride, she was instrumental in establishing a statewide medical leave program and expanding Delaware's Medicaid funding during her time as state senator. Congresswoman, thank you for being with us today. Can you um just one talk about how Democrats should be messaging this bill because there is a lot in it and it is our understanding that you have a a personal connection with the issue.Um, and if you could share some of that with our viewers, I I think it will really il ...

US Political Landscape & Policy - Congressman Don Bacon announced retirement, citing family reasons and the demanding nature of the job, despite past electoral successes in politically challenging districts [2][11][12][13] - The "one big beautiful bill" (likely referring to a major legislative package) faces potential challenges in the 2026 midterm elections, with concerns about its impact on Medicaid and potential for demagoguery by Democrats [1][10][14] - Congressman Bacon voted in favor of the bill, believing the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, including tax cut stability, child tax credit protection, and defense spending increases [3][9] - The House version of the bill focused on work requirements for Medicaid recipients (18-64 years old, healthy individuals working/seeking work 20 hours a week), which is supported by 72% of Americans [6][7] - The Senate version of the bill included cuts to hospital payments, partially mitigated by a $50 billion replenishment for rural hospitals [8] National Security & Foreign Policy - Congressman Bacon criticized the pause of weapon shipments to Ukraine, advocating for strong support and increased weapon deliveries to help Ukraine prevail against Russia [4][16][23] - Congressman Bacon believes that if Ukraine falls, it would gravely hurt US national security interests, potentially leading to further aggression in Moldova, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Baltics [19][20] - Congressman Bacon expressed concern over President Trump's past stance on Ukraine funding but noted a potential shift towards a more forceful defense of Ukraine [21] Republican Party & Political Philosophy - Congressman Bacon identifies as a Ronald Reagan Republican, advocating for democracy, free markets, rule of law, strong alliances, and respect towards political opponents [25][26] - Congressman Bacon expressed concern about the current demonization of political opponents and the treatment of allies, calling for a return to normalcy and decency in American politics [27]

Tax Policy & Economic Impact - The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act included progrowth elements through redesigning the tax code [5] - The corporate tax rate cut was considered a thoughtful and well-done aspect of the 2017 tax law [3] - Individual tax provisions were temporary due to affordability and lower priority for economic growth [3] - Letting the 2017 tax cuts expire would have resulted in a tax hike for everyone [6] Bipartisan Elements & Middle Class Tax Cuts - The middle class tax cuts, Main Street 20% tax deduction, and child tax credit were intended to be bipartisan [5] - A significant portion of tax cuts will accrue to those who pay taxes [5] Medicaid & Social Safety Net - Dramatic cuts to Medicaid could increase the number of uninsured by 12 million [8] - Medicaid is considered a cost-effective program because it pays providers so little [10] - Philosophical opposition exists to leaving individuals without treatment, suggesting upfront insurance coverage is preferable [11][12]

Market Sentiment & Policy Impact - The global markets and Wall Street are largely dismissing President Trump's threat to reinstate tariffs, anticipating future retreats [1][3] - Major financial institutions like UBS, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs publicly express skepticism about the tariffs taking effect on August 1st [3] - The president's words no longer carry the same weight on Wall Street, devaluing potential policy changes [5][7] Inflation & Economic Concerns - Analysts suggest that implementing tariffs is directly inflationary, potentially influencing the Federal Reserve's rate-cutting decisions [9] - Consumers may not be immediately worried about tariffs, but a 10% tariff could impact Christmas shopping [12][15] - A New York Fed survey indicates consumers are expecting higher prices for gas, medical care, and rent [14] Government Spending & Healthcare - Concerns are raised about potential impacts on healthcare due to a proposed trillion-dollar reduction in spending, particularly regarding Medicaid [17] - The Wall Street Journal editorial board's view is that only those who deserve Medicaid should receive it, implying able-bodied adults should seek employment with healthcare benefits [17] Trade & Tariffs - The Treasury Secretary stated that $100 billion has been collected since the tariffs were put into effect, supporting the argument that tariffs are a way to raise funds [11] - Even a 10% tariff is considered high, being almost five times greater than the average tariff and the highest cumulative tariff since 1936 [12]

Welcome to the beat everyone. I am Ari Melbour and let me tell you right off the top we have a very special and newsworthy guest to begin the show tonight. House Democratic Minority Leader Hakee Jeff the most powerful Democrat in Washington is here. I will see you in a moment. I will tell folks that we are coming fresh off leader Jeff historic literally breaking historical records 8h hour 44 minute house floor speech. This is one way to understand if nothing else the sheer amount of time and stamina that wa ...