“At the core of Republicans’ newly finalized domestic policy package is an important political calculation. It provides its most generous tax breaks early on and reserves some of its most painful benefit cuts until after the 2026 midterm elections.

The result is a soon-to-be enacted law that may generate bigger refunds for some taxpayers when they file their returns next spring, even as a series of significant changes to Medicaid and other aid programs loom as a future threat to the finances of poorer families. […] Some of the provisions could see millions of people lose Medicaid and food stamps in the coming years, inflicting financial hardships on families and angering voters. That reality led some Senate Republicans to oppose the domestic policy bill earlier this week, citing the potential adverse impacts on their states and residents. […] “They want to try to get past elections and try to hide the ball on the damage they’re imposing on health care and food assistance,” added Mr. Jacquez, who is now chief of policy at Groundwork Collaborative, a liberal advocacy group.

So, Republicans are planning to trick voters by delaying changes to Medicaid until after the midterm elections.“