Senator Joni Ernst faced a heated crowd at her recent town hall in Parkersburg, Iowa, as constituents pressed her on proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits under the GOP’s sweeping domestic policy bill. The event quickly turned contentious when an audience member warned that people would die if Medicaid eligibility was reduced. Ernst responded, “Well, we all are going to die,” prompting gasps, boos, and a wave of criticism from the audience.
Throughout the meeting, Ernst defended the legislation, arguing that only those not currently eligible—such as undocumented immigrants or individuals with alternative coverage—would lose Medicaid access. She emphasized that “those who meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect,” but her remarks did little to calm concerns among attendees worried about the impact on vulnerable Iowans.
The senator’s comments have since gone viral, drawing national attention and fueling debate over the bill, which includes hundreds of billions in spending cuts and stricter eligibility checks for Medicaid recipients. Ernst, who is up for re-election next year, later stood by her statements, insisting her focus remains on safeguarding benefits for those most in need.
