Budget Reconciliation Update: The budget reconciliation bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The Senate version – which the House also passed – included even deeper cuts to Medicaid, totaling nearly $1 trillion. The Senate did add an optional HCBS waiver specific to people with IDD, however given cuts this large to the program, it is highly unlikely that any state will be adding waivers or services. A bill has been introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) to rescind some Medicaid cuts, even though he voted for the budget reconciliation bill. There is, at this point, no expectation that Senate leadership will be putting Hawley’s bill up for a vote.
Regulatory Changes: The budget reconciliation bill also rescinded several Biden-era rules including the Nursing Home staffing rule. The Trump Administration has announced several rollbacks of important rules, including pulling the Federal rule to end sub-minimum wage (14(c)) for people with disabilities. The Administration also released a NPRM (notice of proposed rule making) to rescind the overtime protections for home care workers, a move that will surely further stretch a workforce that is already in crisis.
Accountability and Thanks: The time is now to thank members who voted to protect Medicaid, and to hold accountable those who voted for the bill that included historic cuts. There will be several opportunities next week to participate in events online and offline. This includes a 60 hour Medicaid vigil on the National mall, that will be live streamed — learn more at ProtectMedicaidVigil.com. Members will return home in late July until Labor Day for recess, a great time to ask for meetings.
ADA 35: July 26, 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the landmark legislation that made America more fair and accessible. For ways to celebrate in-person and on-line, visit ADAAnniversary.org.
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