AUGUSTA, ME – July 1, 2025 – Today the U.S. Senate passed the budget reconciliation bill, known as H.R. 1, by a vote of 51 to 50. Julia MacDonald, Maine government relations director with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) released the following statement:
“Congress is making an unprecedented attack on access to health care for millions of Americans, including cancer patients and survivors. Devastating cuts to Medicaid and changes to Marketplace plans in the budget will terminate health coverage for nearly 12 million Americans and increase health care costs for everyone. We are disappointed in the Senate’s vote today and worried for the future of cancer care in the United States. Simply put, this bill will mean more Americans will live sicker and die sooner.
“There were three Republican senators who voted against these deadly cuts, one of whom is our very own Maine Sen. Susan Collins. We also thank Sen. Angus King for reaffirming his commitment to protecting Medicaid with his vote. Advocates across Maine have weighed in with their concerns about what these cuts will mean for cancer outcomes and we thank Sen. Collins and King for listening and being a voice for them in Washington, D.C.”
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.