Senate Democrats are preparing to put Republicans on the spot regarding potential Medicaid cuts during Thursday's "Vote-a-Rama." This comes as discussions surrounding the budget become increasingly tense, particularly for Republicans representing states heavily reliant on the program. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), recently re-elected in a state that also supported former President Trump, is introducing several amendments to the Senate GOP's budget resolution. These amendments, shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, aim to safeguard Medicaid.

Baldwin's proposed amendments focus on protecting Medicaid access and funding for vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, children, individuals struggling with addiction, rural residents, and pregnant women. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Baldwin criticized potential cuts, saying, "Americans want affordable healthcare, not cuts impacting new mothers, seniors in long-term care, and children in need. Republicans claim they'll protect Medicaid despite their budget suggesting otherwise. Tonight, they must choose: protect Medicaid or sacrifice it for tax breaks for the wealthy?"

These amendment votes will follow others introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other Democrats. A key focus for Democrats is preventing the renewal of tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a priority for former President Trump. The initial amendment aims to block tax cuts for individuals earning over $1 billion annually, preventing what Democrats call "handouts" to the ultra-wealthy.

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) recently expressed concerns about potential Medicaid cuts. In an interview, he stated his opposition to "massive Medicaid cuts" and any Medicare cuts. Such cuts could be unpopular in Republican-leaning states with high Medicaid enrollment, such as Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, and West Virginia, where over 25% of the population relies on Medicaid or CHIP, according to KFF.

Last week, Senate Republicans advanced their budget resolution, initiating a 50-hour debate period culminating in Thursday's "Vote-a-Rama." This marathon voting session allows senators to introduce unlimited amendments, many of which will likely receive floor votes. The process compels Republicans to take potentially difficult votes on issues raised by Democrats.

Despite former President Trump's endorsement of the House GOP's budget resolution over the Senate's version, Senate Republicans are proceeding with their plan, reportedly with the encouragement of Senator JD Vance. This "Vote-a-Rama" presents a strategic challenge for Senate Republicans, forcing them to address potentially divisive issues publicly.