Latest news with #KeithSelf
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" passes in the U.S. House, Texans in Congress react
In Washington, Congressional Republicans, including all from Texas, passed what President Trump has called the "big, beautiful bill." It makes permanent the tax cuts approved during the President's first term. The measure also adds to the President's campaign promises of no tax on tips and no tax on overtime pay. While it does not include his proposal for no tax on social security, House Republicans did provide an additional $4,000 to the standard deduction for seniors. But these three provisions are temporary, not permanent. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. In an interview for Eye On Politics, U.S. Representative Keith Self, R-McKinney said, "The tax cut extension is absolutely mandatory, as I've called it. That is the crown jewel of this whole bill because if we had not extended those tax cuts. Families would have seen a $1,500 increase in their tax bills. So that was the absolutely mandatory element of this entire bill, this entire reconciliation bill." The measure also cuts Medicaid spending and imposes work requirements. "We want to reserve and strengthen Medicaid for those people who are supposed to be on it: pregnant women, children, seniors, disabled. You're looking at a 25 percent growth in Medicaid over ten years. Medicaid was never intended to service.. the working, aged adults who are not working who are playing their video games, cashing their government checks. These are illegal immigrants who should not be getting Medicaid in the first place." But Texas Democrats who serve in Congress criticized the cuts by Republicans during a virtual news conference last week. Representative Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston said, "It's what I call bureaucratic red tape meant to disqualify people." Representative Al Green, D-Houston said, "Their cuts are permanent, but also the harm that's done will be permanent too. We're going to have to find a way to stop them now or we'll have a long time trying to pull ourselves back." Congressman Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio said, "These cuts are going to be devastating to San Antonians, to Texans and to people across the country. To start with, you have 14 million people who could lose healthcare coverage." As CBS News Texas first reported Wednesday night, the measure also contains $12 billion dollars to reimburse states, like Texas, for their efforts to secure the border during the Biden administration, which saw record numbers of people who entered the U.S. illegally. Governor Abbott requested more than $11 billion in reimbursements back in January. Representative Self said, "Texas taxpayers paid for what should have been done by the federal government. When asked if he believes the state will receive all the money requested Self said, "I suspect it'll be real close. I don't know the other states' charges, but I will tell you they are very minor compared to Texas." Watch Eye On Politics at 7:30 Sunday morning on CBS News Texas on air and streaming Follow Jack on X: @cbs11jack
Int'l Business Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Republican Senator Insists Cutting Medicaid Is a 'Scare Tactic' Meant 'To Get Able-Bodied Adults Working'
Rep. Keith Self defended Republican proposals to cut Medicaid spending, insisting the goal isn't to reduce benefits for those in need but "to get able-bodied adults working." As part of ongoing Republican efforts to reshape federal spending, Medicaid has become a flashpoint in broader budget negotiations. GOP lawmakers have proposed tightening eligibility and work requirements for Medicaid recipients, sparking backlash from Democrats and healthcare advocates. During a Thursday morning appearance on Fox Business' "Mornings with Maria," Self, a freshman Republican from Texas, addressed growing concerns over GOP-backed Medicaid reform. "When they use scare tactics to say we're cutting benefits," Self said, "we're only trying to get able-bodied adults working." Rep. Keith Self on Medicaid: "When they use scare tactics to say we're cutting benefits, we're only trying to get able-bodied adults working." — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 24, 2025 He emphasized that the proposed reforms are not aimed at children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities, but at non-disabled adults who, according to some conservatives, rely on public assistance instead of seeking employment. Health policy experts warn that imposing strict work requirements could lead to significant coverage losses, particularly in states with already fragile healthcare safety nets. Meanwhile, Medicaid enrollment remains at record highs following the COVID-19 pandemic and expanded eligibility policies. Originally published on Latin Times
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
City of Allen commemorates Vietnam War Veterans Day
The Brief Vietnam War veterans gathered in Allen, Texas to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Veterans and Rep. Keith Self were among the speakers. Beyond recognition, event goers said it was about supporting each other. ALLEN, Texas - Vietnam War veterans gathered in Allen, Texas Friday to commemorate National Vietnam Veterans Day. What they're saying On May 15, 1975, U.S. troops in southeast Asia saw the last combat of the Vietnam War. Those who served more than 50 years ago said times were different back then. They got little recognition, and now they want to continue to tell their story to the younger generations. "There are fewer Vietnam veterans every day," U.S. Army specialist John Bagwell said. Bagwell served and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He was the keynote speaker for the Collin County event. "I was a disk jockey at the American forces radio station," Bagwell said. Veterans talked about how life since then has dramatically changed. At the time, negative public opinion of the war was often directed at men and women in uniform. "Most of us came back all alone, no one waiting at the airport or nothing like that," Collin County Vietnam Veteran of America Chapter 1122 President George Grimsley said. "It was a very different time." Rep. Keith Self (R-TX3) is a veteran. He was finishing at West Point as the war came to an end. "We gotta remember the times, whether you volunteered or answered the draft notice, you went and a lot of people did not," Self said. Why you should care While the recognition is appreciated, Bagwell said these events are also a way for those who served to support each other. "I think there is something therapeutic just talking about it and I think it's important for the American people to learn what we did," Bagwell said. The Vietnam Veteran Memorial at Fair Park was dedicated by President George H. Bush in 1989. Five tablets have the names of Texans killed or missing in action. The Source Information in this article comes from FOX 4 interviews.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Republican bills put taxpayer-funded junk food on the chopping block
Multiple Republican lawmakers are pushing proposals to ban the purchase of unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is meant to help low-income families. Sugary sodas are in the crosshairs in three separate proposals, though two of the bills would go further by also banning purchases of other junk foods. Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, introduced the Funding Is Zero for Zero Nutrition Options (FIZZ-NO) Act of 2025, which would block purchases of sodas with SNAP benefits — the text defines soda as "a carbonated beverage that contains more than 1 gram of added sugar, artificial sweetener, or flavoring per serving." Three House Republicans have been listed as cosponsors on "Allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize sugary sodas, which offer zero nutritional value and contribute to costly health conditions, is counterproductive. The FIZZ-NO Act is a common-sense solution to strengthen public health and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers," Self said in a statement included in a press release. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., just put forward a measure that would implement an even broader prohibition on purchasing junk foods with SNAP benefits. Read On The Fox News App Gop Lawmaker Explains Why He Called Trans Dem 'Mr. Mcbride': 'I Don't Have To Participate In His Fantasy' The Nutritious SNAP Act of 2025 would put the kibosh on SNAP purchases of "any nonalcoholic beverage that is not water, cow's milk, a milk-substitute beverage (such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk), or 100 percent juice," plus "snack and dessert food items," described in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service "Accessory Foods List." That list includes various items such as potato and corn chips, pretzels, doughnuts, cookies, ice cream and more. "It makes no sense that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund an epidemic of obesity and diet-related illness in low-income communities. My bill ensures that this assistance program actually supports health and wellness, not chronic disease," Paul said, according to a press release. Texas Lawmakers Consider Measure Prohibiting Snap Benefits From Being Used To Purchase Junk Food A group of GOP lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are pushing the Healthy SNAP Act of 2025. The measure would target "soft drinks, candy, ice cream, prepared desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products," and call for the Agriculture Secretary to "conduct a scientific review" of foods allowed under SNAP at least every 5 years. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and several other Republican senators are pushing the bill in the Senate, while Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Ok., and a number of other House Republicans are pushing it in the lower chamber, according to Snap Recipients May Be Barred From Junk Food Purchases Under New House Gop Bill "American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans," Lee said, according to a press release. "The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices. The Healthy SNAP Act is a solid step forward in building a society where all families can be enjoy strength, health, and good nutrition."Original article source: Republican bills put taxpayer-funded junk food on the chopping block
Fox News
26-03-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Republican bills put taxpayer-funded junk food on the chopping block
Multiple Republican lawmakers are pushing proposals to ban the purchase of unhealthy foods through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is meant to help low-income families. Sugary sodas are in the crosshairs in three separate proposals, though two of the bills would go further by also banning purchases of other junk foods. Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, introduced the Funding Is Zero for Zero Nutrition Options (FIZZ-NO) Act of 2025, which would block purchases of sodas with SNAP benefits — the text defines soda as "a carbonated beverage that contains more than 1 gram of added sugar, artificial sweetener, or flavoring per serving." Three House Republicans have been listed as cosponsors on "Allowing taxpayer dollars to subsidize sugary sodas, which offer zero nutritional value and contribute to costly health conditions, is counterproductive. The FIZZ-NO Act is a common-sense solution to strengthen public health and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers," Self said in a statement included in a press release. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., just put forward a measure that would implement an even broader prohibition on purchasing junk foods with SNAP benefits. The Nutritious SNAP Act of 2025 would put the kibosh on SNAP purchases of "any nonalcoholic beverage that is not water, cow's milk, a milk-substitute beverage (such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk), or 100 percent juice," plus "snack and dessert food items," described in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service "Accessory Foods List." That list includes various items such as potato and corn chips, pretzels, doughnuts, cookies, ice cream and more. "It makes no sense that taxpayer dollars are being used to fund an epidemic of obesity and diet-related illness in low-income communities. My bill ensures that this assistance program actually supports health and wellness, not chronic disease," Paul said, according to a press release. A group of GOP lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are pushing the Healthy SNAP Act of 2025. The measure would target "soft drinks, candy, ice cream, prepared desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products," and call for the Agriculture Secretary to "conduct a scientific review" of foods allowed under SNAP at least every 5 years. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and several other Republican senators are pushing the bill in the Senate, while Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Ok., and a number of other House Republicans are pushing it in the lower chamber, according to "American tax dollars should not be used to pay for junk food and endanger the health of the most vulnerable Americans," Lee said, according to a press release. "The fastest way to Make America Healthy Again is to encourage balanced diets and stop subsidizing unhealthy food choices. The Healthy SNAP Act is a solid step forward in building a society where all families can be enjoy strength, health, and good nutrition."
