Republican Sen. Josh Hawley has been clear about his red line as the Senate takes up the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: no Medicaid cuts. But what, exactly, would be a cut?

Does he want to be the next Susan Collins? If so, he's not likely to win over the right - or the left. | Opinion

From opposing big Medicaid cuts to backing labor-union bills, Hawley moves further into populist territory. Is a 2028 presidential bid in the works?

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) purports to stick up for America's working class by opposing Medicaid reform. His efforts stand to hurt them most.

The Missouri Republican also said he's confident the U.S. Senate will pass President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," although he agrees with Sen. Josh Hawley that the measure should not cut Medicaid benefits.

Earlier this year, Trump rescinded a Biden-era executive order that required federal contractors to be paid at least $17.75 per hour. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said during his Senate confirmation hearings that he opposed raising the federal minimum wage and preferred to leave the issue up to the states.