Joni Ernst Defends 'We All Are Going to Die' Remark Amid Medicaid Debate

Joni Ernst Defends 'We All Are Going to Die' Remark Amid Medicaid Debate

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is facing scrutiny after defending her statement, "we all are going to die," made during a town hall concerning a controversial domestic policy bill.

Ernst addressed the issue by stating, "I'm very compassionate, and you need to listen to the entire conversation."

The Controversy

The debate centers around the GOP-backed One Big Beautiful Bill, which proposes work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients.

Critics argue the policy could lead to deaths, a claim Ernst disputes. She insists the bill focuses on protecting the most vulnerable who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Ernst later issued an ironic apology on Instagram.

Political Fallout

This sparked criticism from Democratic challengers like Nathan Sage and JD Scholten.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill also proposes restrictions, including work requirements for non-disabled adults without children, more frequent eligibility assessments, and reduced funding for states covering undocumented immigrants.

While Ernst supports aspects of the bill, she acknowledged it will likely change in the Senate, where some Republicans favor smaller Medicaid cuts.