Legal & Constitutional Issues - The discussion revolves around the legal challenges to President Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, citing the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court rulings [1][2][3][5][6] - Democratic attorneys general are actively challenging the Trump administration's policies, while Republican attorneys general are criticized for inaction [4] - A federal appeals court upheld an injunction blocking the president's effort to restrict birthright citizenship [2][6] Healthcare & Medicaid - A "skinny Medicaid repeal" within the BBB (likely Build Back Better plan) is discussed, potentially leading to increased premiums and loss of healthcare coverage [6][7] - In Kentucky alone, the legislation could result in 200,000 people losing healthcare coverage [8] - The potential impact on rural America is highlighted, including the closure of 35 rural hospitals and the loss of 20,000 healthcare worker jobs [8][9] - Increased paperwork requirements could cause people to lose coverage for 6 months [10][11] - The economic impact on rural communities due to reduced funding for essential services like healthcare is a concern [11] - The governor is committed to doing everything possible to prevent people from losing coverage and to support them in navigating the paperwork [11] - The effects of the bill will be felt before the midterms, with hospitals potentially announcing service cuts [12]

Healthcare Policy & Legislation - Republican Senator Josh Holly voted for a bill with Medicaid cuts, aiming to ensure its Medicaid provisions never take effect [1][2] - Senator Holly supported the bill to expand healthcare in Missouri for nuclear waste survivors, despite drastic Medicaid cuts [2] - Missouri will receive $1 billion in increased rural hospital funds, but the cuts to rural hospitals are delayed until the 2030s [3] - Senator Holly opposes cutting rural hospitals and will work to prevent it [4][5] Political Strategy & Public Opinion - Critics suggest Senator Holly's stance is a political maneuver to appease angry voters [7][9] - The funding allocated to help rural hospitals is insufficient, falling hundreds of billions of dollars short [8] - Senator Holly's actions feed into public cynicism about Washington and the political process [10] - The Republican party is perceived as not willing to challenge the president unless they are retiring or not seeking reelection [11] Election & Political Landscape - Democrats need an aggressive campaign to educate voters, similar to the 2018 healthcare-focused campaign [14] - The Senate could be in play in key races, such as North Carolina [13]

ES and cuts are going to lead to the loss of service and the possibility that some of the country's 760 at risk financially strapped rural hospitals could be forced to close, hundreds of them. That's why some Republican senators like Susan Collins fought for a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals. Although that may still not be enough to prevent some from closing, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a big step backward for this country's health care system.For more on this, I'm joined by Robert Rice. She's a ...