Politics
‘Cannot and Will Not Support’: 12 Republicans Reject Johnson’s Medicaid Cuts
By Jake Beardslee · April 17, 2025
Moderate Republicans Push Back on Johnson’s Budget Over Medicaid Cuts
A group of moderate House Republicans is pushing back against deep cuts to Medicaid proposed in Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) budget plan, dealing a significant blow to efforts to pass a sweeping spending bill favored by President Donald Trump. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
12 GOP Lawmakers Send Warning Letter to Party Leadership
According to The Hill, twelve GOP lawmakers representing politically competitive districts sent a letter on April 14 to Speaker Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), stating their firm opposition to any reconciliation bill that slashes Medicaid funding. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“We Cannot and Will Not Support” Medicaid Cuts, Republicans Declare
“We cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations,” the letter reads. “Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security.” Towfiqu barbhuiya / Pexels
Lawmakers Warn Medicaid Cuts Could Affect Local Healthcare Providers
The lawmakers emphasized the broad impact such cuts would have on their constituents and local infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. They warned that reductions in Medicaid could devastate hospitals and nursing homes that rely heavily on the program for funding. “Cuts to Medicaid also threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers nationwide,” they wrote. Kaboompics.com / Pexels
Representatives Call for Medicaid Reforms to Protect Rural Health Access
Some rural hospitals receive more than half their revenue from Medicaid, the letter stated, and closures in these areas would impact all residents regardless of insurance status. The representatives urged leadership to instead focus on bolstering Medicaid to better serve vulnerable Americans.“To strengthen Medicaid, we urge you to prioritize care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” the group added, pointing to the need for expanded medical savings opportunities, workforce development, and improved access in rural and underserved areas. Bru-nO / Pixabay
Key Swing-District Republicans Lead Letter Opposing Medicaid Reduction
The letter was spearheaded by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.). Other signatories included Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, and Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.); Jeff Van Drew (N.J.); Jen Kiggans and Rob Wittman (Va.); Rob Bresnahan (Pa.); and Juan Ciscomani (Ariz.). forcal35 / Pixabay