In a striking departure from party lines, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a fiery critique of the Republican-led megabill proposing significant Medicaid cuts, shortly after revealing his plans not to seek reelection. Addressing his colleagues on the Senate floor, Tillis warned that the bill would contradict assurances previously made about health care, directly challenging the direction advised by President Donald Trump.

"The bill before us will betray the very promises made by our former president," Tillis stated emphatically. "President Trump has been misinformed. Supporting this bill as it stands now will undoubtedly harm those currently reliant on Medicaid."

The North Carolina Senator, who has served two terms and is noted for his bipartisan efforts, expressed his inability to support the bill due to its potential to disenfranchise approximately 663,000 North Carolinians from their health care coverage. He urged his fellow Republicans to abandon their expedited July 4 deadline for passing the bill and to consider a more thoughtful rewrite.

"I respect and support most of President Trump’s agenda, yet I cannot compromise the well-being of North Carolinians," Tillis remarked during an interaction with the press after his Senate speech.

In preparation for his Senate address, Tillis conducted independent research into the bill's prospective impact on North Carolina, consulting with state leaders, Governor Josh Stein, and various hospital groups. His findings indicated a staggering potential cut of $26 billion in federal support to the state.

Despite initial skepticism from colleagues, Tillis noted that his estimates had been reluctantly confirmed by federal authorities. "After multiple attempts to refute our figures, they finally acknowledged our accuracy," he shared on the Senate floor.

Tillis also criticized the advisory circle around Trump, suggesting that theoretical knowledge from "ivory tower" advisors does not substitute for practical governance experience. He likened the GOP's current healthcare proposal to past legislative failures, referencing the broken promises similar to those during the Obamacare implementation.

As the Senate proceeds with its debate and upcoming amendments marathon, Tillis hinted at returning to the floor to further argue against the bill. His discord with Trump was highlighted by a rebuke from the former president following Tillis' vote against initiating debate on the megabill. Despite this, Tillis expressed his ongoing commitment to the Republican party’s future successes in upcoming elections.

The unfolding debate and Tillis’ pointed opposition signal a contentious path ahead for the GOP megabill, as internal divisions and public promises collide in the legislative arena.