Major cuts to Medicaid and SNAP have been delayed until after the 2026 midterms, affecting millions of Americans and sparking debate over the political and economic consequences.

Senate Republicans have yet to finalize their version of President Donald Trump’s sweeping domestic policy proposal, but GOP lawmakers up for reelection in 2026 are bracing for the political impact of the bill’s Medicaid cuts.

Justice voted for the megabill last week, despite his concerns over some of its Medicaid provisions — and after warning Republicans “cannot cut into the bone.” Steep cuts, he said, would cost the GOP voters and lead the party to “awaken to [being in the] minority.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act provides more opportunities for enrollees to fall through the cracks by adding red tape, health experts say.

The next midterm elections are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Currently, the Republicans have a narrow majority in both the Senate and House and losing either would make it significantly more difficult to pass President Donald Trump's policy agenda.

Republican strategist Karl Rove said Thursday the Congress-approved spending package will heavily influence the midterm election cycle next year. “I think it’ll have a huge impact on 2026,

Republicans see a lot to celebrate, but Democrats are hoping to build momentum leading into the 2026 midterms.

Melinda Magdalene Wings, a 65-year-old retired hospice nurse from Iowa City, Iowa, told CNN she’s worried cuts to Medicaid funding would impact the assisted living home where her 86-year-old ...