Calling it a historic piece of legislation that delivers middle-class tax relief, unleashes American energy and innovation, and roots out waste, fraud and abuse, Congressman Tom Kean applauded the passage of the so-called ‘Big, beautiful bill.’
Kean called the bill, which passed the house by one vote, a big win for New Jersey, saying it fully restores the SALT deduction and projects Medicaid. (The bill was condemned by Gov. Phil Murphy.)
A version of the bill still needs to be passed by the Senate.
Kean emphasized that the bill passed in the House will have a great impact on health care.
“We protected Medicaid for every intended beneficiary in New Jersey and across the country and stopped illegal immigrants from stealing taxpayer-funded benefits,” he said. “By rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, we can ensure that this vital program is there for current and future generations of Americans.
“We also boosted the Child Tax Credit to $2,500, giving young families a much-needed return at a time when they need it most. We secured critical relief for Somerset and Morris Counties and the whole state of New Jersey by providing tens of millions of dollars for local and state law enforcement, ensuring they are supported while protecting President Trump over the next four years.”
Kean listed the following as key wins in the House Reconciliation Package for New Jersey and the country:
· SALT deduction raised: Raises the cap on the State and Local Tax deduction to $40,000, providing major relief for all middle-class families;
· Medicaid integrity restored: Ensures benefits go only to eligible recipients and that those who are able to contribute to their community are doing so in order to receive Medicaid benefits. Preserves funding for New Jersey’s hospitals, nursing homes, and other providers.
· Secret Service reimbursement secured: Secures vital federal support for local and state law-enforcement who provide protection when President Trump is at his home in Bedminster;
· Border security strengthened: Provides resources to support border patrol agents, detect illegal drug smuggling, and secure our southern border;
· American energy independence advanced: Unleashes American energy production to help us meet our growing energy needs;
· Child tax credit boosted: Increased to $2,500, offering direct support for families after years of rising costs;
· PBM reform achieved: Cracks down on abusive middlemen in the prescription drug market to lower costs for Medicare and consumers;
· “Doc Fix” enacted: Addresses long-standing Medicare physician payment issues to ensure that New Jersey’s doctors receive fair reimbursement for their important services;
· Orphan Cures Act Passed: Eliminates a misguided law that slowed the development of drugs for patients with rare diseases. Many of these treatments are developed by New Jersey’s unparalleled biotech innovation industry.
