KDP Statement on Rep. Guthrie’s Plan to Pay for Trump’s Iran War by Cutting Kentuckians’ Health Care

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Today, with the U.S. House set to reconvene in Washington, Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) Chair Colmon Elridge released the following statement on Republican Congressman Brett Guthrie’s plan to pay for President Trump’s war in Iran by cutting his constituents’ health care:

“Kentuckians are begging for relief from war-induced price hikes on gas and groceries. Instead of doing anything to lower costs, Congressman Guthrie is trying to kick 300,000 people off of their health care plans to fund the fighting.

“Guthrie’s Medicaid cuts have already forced clinics and birthing centers to close, with 35 rural hospitals at risk across the state. But apparently that’s not enough. Kentucky Republicans do not care that their constituents are canceling vacations, skipping meals and forgoing health care to deal with Trump’s failing economy.”

The Trump administration is seeking billions in taxpayer dollars to continue fighting in the Middle East. To fund the war, Guthrie told Politico his committee would pursue cost-sharing reductions that, if passed, could kick as many as 300,000 off of their health insurance plans by 2034. The Kentucky Democratic Party is tracking the effects of state and federal Medicaid cuts in real time at BigBetrayalBill.com.