The Federal Debt Crisis Resolved?

May 28, 2023

Dear ANCOR members,

Apologies for the Sunday morning email, but we wanted to update you on the status of the debt ceiling negotiations. President Biden and Speaker McCarthy reached an agreement late last night moving the process forward.

While it does increase the age for work requirements on SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka food stamps) from 49 to 54 and increases work requirements on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), a cut to Medicaid was NOT INCLUDED.  [Italics added for clarity!]

We expect to see legislative text by 5 p.m. today, which starts the required 72 hours for legislative review. Speaker McCarthy is planning a House vote for Wednesday May 31st.

While neither Republicans nor Democrats will love this deal, McCarthy and Biden begin work now to whip votes to move it through the House Wednesday, then quickly to the Senate where Leader Schumer will have to jump through procedural hoops to get this to the President’s desk before the revised default date of June 5th.

We will keep you posted, but wanted to ensure you knew what was happening. The advocacy of ANCOR members and the Medicaid community at large undoubtedly  played a significant role in ensuring Medicaid was off the table. 

Thank you and have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

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Shannon McCracken
Vice President of Government Relations
ANCOR