Maria Cantwell Opposes Dr. Oz Nomination Over Medicaid Cuts

Opposition to Dr. Oz's Nomination

• 📌 Senator Maria Cantwell states she cannot support the nomination of Dr. Oz to run CMS due to the devastating impacts of proposed Medicaid cuts.
• ⚠️ Cantwell emphasizes that while Dr. Oz expressed willingness for some reforms, he was unwilling to commit to opposing cuts to Medicaid.

The Impact of Proposed Medicaid Cuts

• 📊 The House Republican budget includes proposals that would require massive cuts to Medicaid.
• 🎯 Cantwell explains that even eliminating all other programs in the ENC account would only provide a fraction of the needed funds, making Medicaid the primary target for cuts.
• 📉 The Congressional Budget Office indicates that Medicaid expenditures account for 93% of non-Medicare spending within the House Energy and Commerce Committee's purview.

Constituent Concerns and Real-World Consequences

• 💬 Cantwell shares the concerns of physicians, hospital providers, and patients, including Gail Haverson from Spokane, who fears the loss of affordable healthcare for nursing home care.
• 🏥 Harborview Medical Center, a trauma care facility, receives 39% of its revenue from Medicaid, and CEO stated that cuts of this magnitude would be existential.

Accountability and Future Action

• 🚫 Cantwell asserts that Dr. Oz's unwillingness to clearly state he would not cut Medicaid makes him an unsuitable nominee.
• 🗣️ She urges colleagues to reject the nomination and join the fight to prevent cuts to Medicaid.