July 1, 2025

The Missouri Democratic Party condemned Senators Eric Schmitt & Josh Hawley’ for voting in favor of the 2025 Republican budget bill, widely known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes deep Medicaid cuts, major cost hikes for working families across Missouri, and risks closing more rural hospitals,

“Josh Hawley & Eric Schmitt just voted to sell out the people of Missouri,” said Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan. “This bill hikes energy bills, guts health care for working families, and will force rural hospitals to close all to send billions in tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and corporate special interests. It’s a direct betrayal of the people he was elected to represent.” Despite weeks of pretending to be undecided and voicing concerns about Medicaid cuts, Hawley weakly caved to GOP leadership and cast his vote in favor of the bill.”

According to recent reporting and economic analysis:

• Missouri households will face $2.1 billion in higher energy costs over the next decade
• 37,400 jobs will be lost by 2035
• Missouri’s GDP will shrink by $27 billion
• Up to 250,000 Missourians could lose their health insurance

“This is what politics over people looks like,” Carnahan said. “Josh Hawley put ambition and party loyalty ahead of the health and economic security of Missouri families. Voters won’t forget this vote, and we won’t let them.”

Background:

New York Times Op Ed - Josh Hawley: Don’t Cut Medicaid

U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee:   New Congressional District Data, 16 Million People Would Lose Health Insurance From Medicaid, ACA Cuts

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Media Contact:

Chelsea Rodriguez, Communications Director

press@missouridems.org