Congressman Sanford Bishop discusses healthcare, budget cuts as government shutdown continues

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — As the nation enters day 23 of the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in U.S. history, Georgia politicians brought their message on healthcare and federal funding to Columbus.

Members of the Chattahoochee Valley community gathered to hear from Congressman Sanford Bishop, who met with supporters to discuss how the shutdown and federal budget decisions could affect healthcare access across the state.

“President Trump’s one big ugly budget bill, which was enacted into law last July, means 15 million American citizens on Medicaid will lose their coverage,” Bishop said. “20 to 30 million will face skyrocketing increases in their premiums.”

Clay County physician Dr. Karen Kinsell voiced similar concerns, saying the administration’s policies could eliminate healthcare options for many.

“Trump wants to take this tax credit away from everyone, even those who voted for him,” Kinsell said. “He has said for ten years he has a plan. The plan is to take away your healthcare.”

However, local Republican leader Alton Russell offered a different perspective, arguing that the changes are intended to reduce costs for Americans.

“Well, Obamacare has doubled or more in cost to the American public,” Russell said. “This will fix that to some extent. It’s not going to take away healthcare benefits from citizens, but it does stop the money we’re spending on illegals.”

Bishop pushed back on that claim, emphasizing that Medicaid and Affordable Care Act programs do not apply to undocumented immigrants.

“Absolutely wrong,” he expressed. “The cuts for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act are not available to illegal immigrants. These are people unable to get healthcare through employers, Medicare or Medicaid.”

As the shutdown continues, questions remain about the future of healthcare funding and food assistance programs.