Senate Democrats are demanding answers over how the Trump administration plans to manage the $50 billion rural health slush fund included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in light of reports that the fund was made to buy Republican votes.

In a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, a group of 16 Senate Democrats led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) blasted the rural health fund as "wholly insufficient to plug the massive hole created by the Big, Ugly Betrayal," but said it was "critical" that CMS provide clarity and guidance.

"We are alarmed by reports suggesting these taxpayer funds are already promised........

© The Hill