Bacon and Republican majority shut down government, coalition calls for reversal of health care cuts

OMAHA, Nebraska (September 30, 2025)—Now that the Republican majority has shut down the government tonight, Nebraska For Us is calling on our federal delegation to reverse damaging cuts to health care, specifically Medicaid and tax credits that make health insurance more affordable. To date, Congressman Don Bacon appears more willing to shut down the government than reverse Medicaid cuts he voted for or to prevent health care costs from rising by extending health care tax credits.

“With my health challenges, I am not alone in the fear of what will happen to people like me as these cuts come into place,” Omaha Medicaid recipient Brooke Nykamp said. “It is disheartening that our calls for fixing the problem have been ignored so far. I hold out hope that members of Congress can do the right thing, especially since we cannot keep going down this path.”

“Members of Congress often find themselves being reactive to issues, even when we can see them coming from miles away,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “Congressman Bacon and our entire federal delegation have already allowed health insurance premiums to rise, and there is no time to waste—even if Bacon suggests this issue can wait. Our leaders need to take action by restoring key tax credits while reversing Medicaid cuts.”

Cuts to Medicaid for Nebraskans who need it, in addition to a dramatic increase in health insurance premiums for others, will likely lead to more people struggling to afford basic necessities like groceries. SNAP cuts on top of all of this are making the problem even worse.

“Our food pantry is one of many that serves hundreds of families per week, and the rising costs are hitting all of us so hard,” Omaha volunteer Tamara Bailey said. “This path is not sustainable. Without serious action, I feel like the problem—and the demand on our pantry—will get much worse before it gets better.”

On Wednesday at 10 a.m., Nebraska For Us will gather outside Congressman Don Bacon’s west Omaha office, continuing the call for a reversal in health care cuts. Without this move, we will all be paying more in the months ahead.