A resolution urging the protection of Medicare from the devastating cuts caused by H.R. 1.
This is a Senate non-binding resolution urging protection of the Medicare program from the deep, across-the-board spending cuts that proponents say would be triggered by H.R. 1 (the reconciliation bill passed as Public Law 119-21). The resolution cites CBO estimates that H.R. 1 would dramatically increase the deficit and trigger sequestration cuts under S-PAYGO, which would affect Medicare starting in 2026 and continue through 2034. It argues that Medicare is not exempt from sequestration, and that such cuts would undermine benefits for seniors and people with disabilities, jeopardize access to care, and harm providers and health care institutions that rely on Medicare payments. The resolution expresses the Senate’s intent to safeguard Medicare and the social services tied to it, and to protect those who have paid into Medicare throughout their working lives. It is a statement of position, not a bill that would directly rewrite policy.
Key Points
- 1CBO estimates: H.R. 1 would add about $4.1 trillion to the deficit between 2025 and 2034, according to the resolution’s preface.
- 2Sequestration risk: The deficit increase would trigger automatic across-the-board spending cuts (sequestration) under the S-PAYGO framework established by the PAYGO law.
- 3Medicare exposure: The resolution notes that Medicare is not exempt from S-PAYGO sequestration, with projected cuts of about $45 billion in 2026 and a total of about $536 billion through 2034.
- 4Health care impacts: These Medicare cuts are presented as contributing to nearly $1 trillion in health care reductions tied to H.R. 1, potentially reducing coverage for millions and affecting providers and health centers that depend on Medicare payments.
- 5Beneficiary focus: The resolution emphasizes protecting seniors’ Medicare benefits and essential social services, and ensuring that individuals who have paid into Medicare remain shielded from reckless cuts.
- 6Status and function: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Finance; it is a non-binding expression of Senate policy and does not itself change law.