The Shadow
Reconciliation
The “Butterfly Effect” is an interesting theory.
What it basically says is that any small change or movement in one system, “the flapping of a butterfly’s wings”, inflicts a greater change or movement in another system. This greater change produces significant consequences that are felt my many.
Of course, there is no scientific backing to this theory. It is nothing more than a pop culture idea that equips various storytellers with ways to entertain their audiences.
To no surprise, this type of storytelling is coming from the Left in Washington, DC!
House Republicans put together a “reconciliation” package that preserves the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, aka the Trump Tax Cuts, unlocks American energy and supports border enforcement measures. It also removes the taxes on tips and overtime.
“Reconciliation” is a legislative device used to cut or increase spending.
My House Committee on Energy and Commerce had a major part in crafting the “reconciliation” package.
During a 26.5-hour markup, we worked on our recommendations for inclusion in the “reconciliation” package.
However, Committee Democrats opposed our recommendations.
Their opposition, based on a “butterfly effect” theory, claimed that somehow the small changes made in the Medicaid and Medicaid Expansion programs will have large and devastating consequences for everybody on Medicaid!
They shouted day and night that we could not deliver a “reconciliation” bill without massive, significant changes that would negatively impact the disabled and children!
That is false.
Medicaid and Medicaid Expansion are two different programs.
The largest, most impactful “cut” in this “reconciliation” package is commonsense community engagement requirements for those enrolled in the Medicaid Expansion program.
The traditional Medicaid population consists of individuals with disabilities, pregnant mothers, children and seniors. These requirements are not placed on the traditional Medicaid population.
Able-bodied people aged 19-64 who do not have a young child, a disabled person or an elderly relative in need of care living in the home are the ones affected.
The bill requires these able-bodied adults on Medicaid Expansion to be engaged in their community for 80 hours a month. With 4.33 weeks in a month, that means an average of 18.47 hours a week.
These requirements promote community engagement. “Community engagement” can be community service, pursuing educational programs, participating in a rehabilitation program or a job.
By working to improve their communities and their own lives, some of these people will be lifted out of poverty, isolation and in many cases, depression. Further, it will help to protect our social-safety net programs.
Again, community engagement requirements do not apply to traditional Medicaid!
Additionally, we are restoring the pre-COVID eligibility rules on Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).
Easing these rules for eligibility made sense during COVID because of the volatile nature of the disease. But that National Emergency is over!
Further, we are asking the States to verify eligibility twice a year instead of once a year.
But Congressional Democrats believe these small requirements are devastating cuts.
Their false Medicaid fearmongering continued into the next week. Democrats repeated their exaggerated claims throughout the 21.5-hour Rules Committee hearing on the entire “reconciliation” package. I know this, because as Vice Chair of the Committee, I was present to hear their claims.
Unfortunately, I believe, because of the defeat of the Democratic party’s ideas last November, the Democrats are staking their success in the next elections primarily on fear.
I have seen and heard from people who truly believe that we are going to eliminate Medicaid for pregnant mothers, children and the disabled.
It’s not true!
There are policies in the “reconciliation” plan that reasonable people can have disagreements over. But it is not reasonable, responsible or right to scare and instill fear in the hearts and minds of the most vulnerable people in our nation.
That type of fearmongering is just plain wrong.
While it was confounding to listen to the fearmongering throughout 26.5 hours in one committee and 21 hours in another, and in spite of the bill not being perfect, I was glad to support the “reconciliation” bill.
And it passed the House with 215 YEAS 214 NAYS and 1 Present.
With a one-vote margin and disagreements from moderate and conservative Republicans, it is clear this “reconciliation” bill was the best product that could actually pass.
I will carefully watch the bill’s consideration and any changes in the Senate.
While Democrats will continue their “butterfly effect” antics to energize their base, my energies will continue to be on producing positive results for America.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.
