Latest news with #AustinScott
The Hill
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Medicaid quagmire awaits House Republicans
As lawmakers return from a two-week recess, those plans will have to come together quickly. House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders are eyeing a May 7 markup for their portion of the bill, which calls for $880 billion in cuts to offset the cost of other priorities — cuts many moderates worry could threaten Medicaid coverage their constituents rely on. Analysts say that number is impossible to meet without making changes to Medicaid. Twelve House Republicans in competitive districts — more than enough in the House GOP's razor-thin majority to keep the bill from passing — sent a letter to GOP leaders last week saying they will not support the legislation if it includes cuts to Medicaid benefits. Republican leaders say they only want to root out waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, and to implement work requirements for nondisabled adults. But there's some disagreement about what that 'waste, fraud and abuse' looks like. Some Republicans have floated the idea of rolling back the extra federal money going to states to pay for Medicaid expansion. They argue it would be governors who would have to make hard decisions about cutting benefits, not lawmakers in Congress. 'The federal government is paying 90 percent of the Medicaid expansion. What we have talked about is moving that 90 percent level of the expansion back toward the more traditional level,' Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) said in an interview Monday on Fox Business. 'Nobody would be kicked off Medicaid as long as governors decided they wanted to continue to fund the program.' Scott doesn't sit on the Energy and Commerce panel, but his comments didn't come in a vacuum. 'When you have people on the program that are draining the resources, it takes it away from the people that are actually needing it the most and are intended to receive it,' Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Fox News last week. 'You're talking about young, single mothers, down on their fortunes at a moment — the people with real disabilities, the elderly,' he continued. 'And we've got to protect and preserve that program. So we're going to preserve the integrity of it.' The letter from swing district Republicans did not specifically rule out rolling back the enhanced federal match. But it's a politically risky move regardless, and at least one Senate Republican — Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) — has said he would oppose such an effort.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Republican Explains Potential Changes to Medicaid
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. GOP Representative Austin Scott of Georgia explained a potential change House Republicans could make to Medicaid during an interview on Fox Business' Mornings With Maria. Newsweek reached out to House Speaker Mike Johnson for comment via email. Why It Matters More than 80 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicaid, a government program providing health care to lower income individuals. President Donald Trump has said he would not cut the program, but some Republicans in Congress are eyeing cuts, setting up a potential intraparty battle over the matter. What to Know Scott said House Republicans have been discussing a potential change to Medicaid expansion. Currently, states that have enacted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act receive a 90 percent federal matching rate, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). This means the federal government takes on 90 percent of those costs, while the state governments take on 10 percent. Republicans are considering lowering the FMAP, which would shift more the funding to the states, Scott told Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo on Monday. Representative Austin Scott speaks with reporters in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2023. Representative Austin Scott speaks with reporters in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2023. JULIA NIKHINSON/AFP via Getty Images "When the Dems expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, they made that percentage match 90-10, so the federal government is paying 90 percent of the Medicaid expansion," Scott said. "What we have talked about is moving that 90 percent level of the expansion back to the more traditional levels of 50 to approximately 80 percent, instead of the 90-10." He said "nobody would be kicked off Medicaid" as long as governors continued to fund the program. "We are talking about the state governments paying a small percentage increase in their share of the Medicaid costs of their citizens," he said. Any efforts to cut Medicaid funding would likely be met with opposition from Democrats, but some Republicans as well. A dozen centrist Republicans wrote a letter to House Republican leaders last week indicating they would "not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations." What People Are Saying Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, on X: "Austin and the Republicans know that states have automatic triggers if the federal match falls below 90 percent they will kick off the working poor from Medicaid. 100 of thousands of Arizona families would lose Medicaid coverage." Dr. Michelle Au, an anesthesiologist and Democratic Georgia state Representative, on X: "The 9 to 1 federal match applies to states that fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Congressional Republicans know states can't cover the same number of patients if this federal match is cut. It also allows them to blame governors for the cuts Congress makes." What Happens Next House leadership have not formally announced any plans to change Medicaid. Congress is expected to continue working on Trump's legislation, which is expected to include tax cut extensions, as well as potential spending cuts.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL mock draft: PFF predicts Rams add key playmakers
2025 NFL mock draft: PFF predicts Rams add key playmakers With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, all manners of mock selections will come out of the woodwork. The Los Angeles Rams are in a strange position, too, as a team with a wide Super Bowl window and no clear needs. That doesn't mean the Rams can rest on their roster's laurels heading into the 2025 season. Pro Football Focus' Austin Scott made selections the Rams on all three days of the draft in this new mock draft. Most of the selections align with the Rams' draft needs, but a few surprises popped up as well as a mid-round trade. Here's how it went: Round 1, Pick No. 26: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Loveland would be a dream pick for the Rams in the first round. He gives the Rams a tight end of the future who can catch and block. Loveland also wouldn't need to contribute immediately with Tyler Higbee healthy. Round 3, Pick No. 90: CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State Cornerback is one of the top needs in 2025. Parrish would give the Rams a chance to round out their secondary and provides a future starter at the position. Round 3, Pick No. 101: T Anthony Belton, North Carolina State Benton played mostly left tackle in college but has experience on both sides of the line. That is a valuable asset for the Rams, who are looking for depth at tackle but also someone who could eventually replaced Rob Havenstein on the right side. Round 4, Pick No. 127: Rams trade back with Saints The Rams make a small trade here, moving but four spots in the fourth round and up 11 spots in the sixth round. L.A. sends the Nos. 127 and 195 to the New Orleans Saints for Nos. 131 and 184. Round 4, Pick No. 131: EDGE Barryn Sorrell, Texas Pass-rush support is always a good thing to add in the draft. Sorrell is an experienced player with 15.5 career sacks in 49 games at Texas. Round 6, Pick No. 184: WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn The Rams have seen success with late-round receivers and add another here in Lambert-Smith. The Penn State and Auburn pass-catcher finished finished his college career with 2,702 total receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 60 games. Round 6, Pick 190: LB Kain Medrano, UCLA This is a solid late-round pick at a position of need for the Rams. Medrano is an experienced player who was also a captain in college. While he has his deficiencies, Medrano can sit deep on the depth chart and develop. Round 6, Pick No. 201: S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland Trader Jr. is a versatile defensive back who can play at all areas of the defense. He's also played a lot of college football with solid production Round 6, Pick No. 202: G Clay Webb, Jacksonville State Like Steve Avila, Webb can play guard or center. That dual ability could be helpful in providing depth for the Rams' offensive line in 2025.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bipartisan push for Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve
The Brief House Resolution 2345 aims to establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve, making it the first National Park and Preserve east of the Mississippi River and the first co-managed by a tribal nation in the region. The initiative has gained bipartisan support in Congress, with nearly all Georgia House members sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill, highlighting the cultural significance of the site. Supporters believe national park status will enhance protections, expand recreational opportunities, and significantly increase the park's size from 700 acres to over 54,000 acres along the Ocmulgee River corridor. WASHINGTON - Nearly all of Georgia's representatives in the U.S. House have signed on to support a resolution that would establish a new national park in Georgia. House Resolution 2345 would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in Middle Georgia. The backstory There has been a long-running effort to designate the Ocmulgee Mounds in central Georgia as a National Park and Preserve. The initiative would make Ocmulgee the first National Park and Preserve east of the Mississippi River and the first to be co-managed by a tribal nation in the region. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose ancestors built the massive earthen mounds over 1,000 years ago, has partnered with local leaders and conservation groups to push for the designation. What we know The initiative has now received bipartisan traction in Congress, with all but one Georgia House member sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., sponsored HR 2345. The proposed park would be created in his congressional district. Fellow Georgia GOP representatives Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, Rick Allen, Barry Loudermilk, Jack Brian, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Mike Collins have signed on. Across the aisle, representatives Sandford Bishop, Lucy McBath, David Scott, Nikema Williams, and Hank Johnson have also signed on as co-sponsors to recognize the cultural significance of the ancient Indigenous site. North Georgia's Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., was notably absent from the current list of co-sponsors. What they're saying Supporters say national park status would provide stronger protections for the archaeological site, expand recreational opportunities, and boost tourism in Macon and surrounding areas. The current Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park spans about 700 acres, but the proposed preserve would expand the footprint to over 54,000 acres along the Ocmulgee River corridor. Dig deeper A formal feasibility study by the National Park Service found strong public support and noted the area's ecological and historical importance. If approved, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve would join a select group of dual-status federal lands and mark a milestone in the broader movement to honor Native American heritage through land stewardship. What we don't know The full text of the resolution has not yet been published. What's next The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The Source The details in this article come from the Congressional record and Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. This article is being reported out of Atlanta.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Effort to make Ocmulgee Mounds Georgia's First National Park and Preserve reintroduced in Congress
Federal lawmakers from Georgia reintroduced efforts to have the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park be the state's first National Park and Preserve in U.S. Congress. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, as well as Reps. Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop brought the bill back in both chambers. Similar efforts were made to establish the national park and preserve last year but they did not garner enough support to become law. 'We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia's first ever National Park,' Ossoff said. 'I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia's first national park.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: You can help raise money for childhood cancer research by grabbing a sandwich Wednesday Atlanta bagpiper killed while scuba diving; son who vanished 4 years ago found dead at home City of Atlanta to have all workers return to office, except 1 department The Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act would help preserve the area for its historical importance. 'The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals,' lawmakers said in a joint statement. 'Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.' Warnock, Scott and Bishop are among a bipartisan group of lawmakers working to establish the area as the state's first national park, including Reps. Buddy Carter, Brian Jack, Hank Johnson, Nikema Williams, Lucy McBath, Rich McCormick, Mike Collins, Barry Loudermilk, Rick Allen, David Scott and Marjorie Taylor Green. 'Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia's first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved,' Rep. Austin Scott said. 'The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
