NORTH CAROLINA —- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Senate reconciliation bill on Thursday that could strip billions of dollars from North Carolina’s economy through major cuts to federal health and social support programs.

The legislation includes substantial changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), which provide essential services to millions of North Carolinians. State officials are still analyzing the full scope of the bill’s impact.

State Agency Responds to Federal Cuts

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai warned that the legislation would have far-reaching consequences for the state’s residents and economy.

“Today’s passage marks a significant moment with real consequences for North Carolina,” Sangvai said in a statement. “While the full impact will become clearer in the coming weeks, we already know that it will result in billions of dollars being taken out of our state’s economy and will undermine the health of North Carolinians.”

The bill targets programs that serve as lifelines for vulnerable populations across the state, according to health officials.

Medicaid and SNAP Programs Face Major Reductions

The reconciliation bill introduces significant reductions in federal funding for core social services. Medicaid and SNAP programs, which support millions of North Carolina residents, will see substantial cuts under the new legislation.

“These cuts not only impact the people that rely on them directly but also strain the systems and communities that hold us all together,” Sangvai explained.

The ripple effects of reduced federal funding are expected to impact healthcare providers, local economies, and support networks throughout the state.

State Officials Pledge Continued Service Despite Challenges

Despite the anticipated funding reductions, NCDHHS officials say they remain committed to their mission of serving North Carolina residents.

“The mission of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services remains unchanged – we will continue to work to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians,” Sangvai stated.

The secretary acknowledged that while the state’s ability to offset federal funding losses may be limited, the department’s commitment to serving residents remains strong.

Analysis and Next Steps

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the final legislation to determine its complete impact on state programs and residents.

Officials indicated they will provide additional information as more details about the bill’s implementation become available. The department plans to continue focusing on serving North Carolina residents despite the anticipated challenges ahead.