Democratic candidates criticize Republican support for tax and benefits legislation

Democratic candidates in several competitive Senate races are running advertisements and holding events that link their Republican opponents to changes in Medicaid and food assistance eligibility under legislation enacted last year. The bill, formally known as H.R. 1, lowered taxes for some individuals and businesses.

It also narrowed eligibility rules for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Campaign activity by state In Alaska, state Democrats distributed flyers in grocery stores that direct shoppers to a survey about food costs and note that one Republican senator voted for the eligibility changes. In Michigan, Democratic state lawmakers held a press conference on the anniversary of the bill's passage to criticize a Republican candidate's prior statements of support.

In Iowa, a Democratic state representative running for Senate has discussed the Medicaid changes at constituent meetings and released a television advertisement that attributes the reductions to a Republican House member who voted for the bill.

Statements from party organizations A spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said the legislation produced higher costs, reduced health coverage, and risks of hospital closures. A spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee said Democrats opposed provisions that increased take-home pay and family resources.

A Washington Post analysis found that 52 Democratic members of Congress mentioned the legislation in June, compared with 25 Republicans.