House Republicans Propose Major Cuts to Medicaid in Push for Tax Breaks
By LISA MASCARO, Associated Press
In a bold move reminiscent of past health care debates, House Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at cutting $880 billion from Medicaid to fund $4.5 trillion in tax breaks. The proposal, unveiled late Sunday, ignites a significant political clash reminiscent of the 2017 attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
While Republicans argue that the bill targets "waste, fraud, and abuse," Democrats warn it could lead to millions losing their health coverage. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates an 8.6 million drop in the insured population over a decade. "Savings like these allow us to renew the Trump tax cuts," asserted Rep. Brett Guthrie, the GOP’s Energy and Commerce Committee chair.
In contrast, Democrats decry the cuts as “shameful,” predicting dire consequences, including hospital closures and increased premiums. As Republicans push to finalize the bill by Memorial Day, some GOP members have expressed resistance to Medicaid cuts, and Trump has distanced himself from proposals affecting the program.
The legislation also seeks to roll back provisions from the Biden administration’s climate initiatives, amidst a broader push for $1.5 trillion in savings to maintain tax breaks set to expire this year.
Originally Published: May 12, 2025 at 10:27 AM EDT
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
