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Maine Rep. Pingree warns of impacts caused by “Big, Beautiful Bill” during roundtable event

Maine Rep. Pingree warns of impacts caused by “Big, Beautiful Bill” during roundtable event

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree called a tax and spending bill backed by the White House “reckless” at a roundtable discussion on Wednesday.

Pingree held the meeting at Planned Parenthood in Portland, which she says could lose funding if the “Big, Beautiful Bill” is passed.

Pingree, who represents Maine’s liberal 1st Congressional District, also said the bill would defund Planned Parenthood and gut Medicaid.

She also says proposed work requirements and other changes to Medicaid would impact vulnerable people.

“They’re going after funding for some of the most vulnerable people and most vulnerable services, to provide funding for some of the wealthiest people in our country,” Pingree said.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 10.3 million people would lose coverage by 2034 if the bill goes through.

Leaders in the Trump administration say too many able-bodied Americans are choosing not to work so they can stay on Medicaid.

The Trump White House has also called the bill “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cement an America First agenda of prosperity, opportunity, and security into law.”

The bill narrowly passed in the U.S. House last week, and heads to the Senate next.

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