Centrist Republicans warn House leadership about cutting Medicaid
A group of centrist House Republicans has expressed concerns to GOP leadership about potential cuts to Medicaid as part of upcoming budget reforms. in a letter, they urged leadership to avoid adjustments that could impact vulnerable populations reliant on the program, noting that balancing the federal budget shouldn’t come at the expense of those dependent on Medicaid for healthcare. The current budget resolution calls for identifying $880 billion in cuts for the next fiscal year, which falls under the jurisdiction of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.Even though Republican leaders have stated they will not cut Medicaid benefits, they are exploring ways to enhance program efficiency and reduce costs. The group emphasized the need for targeted reforms to improve program integrity rather than reducing coverage. Notably, the signatories predominantly represent swing districts, which may heighten their sensitivity to the political ramifications of any cuts. Democrats are leveraging these concerns to highlight Republican proposals to cut Medicaid and Social Security, framing them as detrimental to millions of Americans.
Centrist Republicans warn House leadership about cutting Medicaid coverage
A group of centrist House Republicans sent a letter to GOP leadership warning about adjustments to the Medicaid program, urging them to tread lightly on reforms that could affect “vulnerable populations.”
The budget resolution that passed the House calls on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to identify $880 billion in cuts for the next fiscal year’s budget, which could include cuts to Medicaid as it falls under that committee’s jurisdiction. Republican leadership has vowed not to cut Medicaid benefits but has entertained finding ways to do all of its services more efficiently and at a lower cost.
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As the budget process continues following last week’s successful budget resolution vote, a group of 12 Republicans, largely from swing or blue states, sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) saying they oppose any cuts to Medicaid that would reduce coverage for vulnerable populations.
“As Members of Congress who helped to deliver a Republican majority, many of us representing districts with high rates of constituents who depend on Medicaid, we would like to reiterate our strong support for this program that ensures our constituents have reliable healthcare. Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security,” the letter said, per Punchbowl News.
The group emphasized that “efficiency and transparency” must be the priority when looking at Medicaid reforms.
“We support targeted reforms to improve program integrity, reduce improper payments, and modernize delivery systems to fix flaws in the program that divert resources away from children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women — those who the program was intended to help. However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations,” the letter continued.
The letter was signed by Reps. David Valadao (R-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Young Kim (R-CA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).
Most of the House Republicans who signed the letter are on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s target list, and most also have a 2026 race rating ranging from “toss-up” to “likely Republican” by the Cook Political Report. Only Van Drew, Malliotakis, LaLota, and Garbarino have reelection races rated as “solid Republican.”
Claims that the GOP will cut Medicaid and Social Security have been central to Democrats’ early 2026 pitch against Republicans, with former President Joe Biden saying Tuesday, “For many of these beneficiaries, it’s their only income. If they were cut or taken away, it would be devastating for millions of people. And the psychological pressure we put people under by having this debate, it’s absolutely devastating.”
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Democratic leadership has united behind the messaging that Republicans are putting Medicaid funding on the chopping block despite Trump saying there will be no changes.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have a hatchet man in Leland Dudek, an acting Commissioner with an emphasis on the ‘acting,’ because his real role is to dismantle the very office he is supposed to lead, make better, and protect,” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said.
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