Though alarming, it is not shocking that House Republicans are looking to cut at least $880 billion, primarily from Medicaid, from the federal budget so that they can pay for a massive tax cut for billionaires. This move could impact over 70 million Americans as the GOP’s current plan is to pass the buck to states and force them to find the funds to pay for this vital program.
“House Republicans are willing to trade away the wellbeing of their everyday constituents all so a handful of billionaires, who will never have to worry about how to pay for health care, food, or their bills, can have a few more dollars stuffed into their already overflowing bank accounts,” said American Bridge House Communications Director Philip Shulman. “Medicaid has been integral to keeping Americans in every state, including children, insured and able to get the care they need, and it’s horrific that the GOP would even think about jeopardizing that.”
House Republicans have been overt about why they’re doing this, with Energy and Commerce Chair Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky saying, in part, “Savings like these allow us to use this bill to renew the Trump tax cuts…” His committee, which handles health care spending, will be holding a hearing on the issue of gutting Medicaid. Vulnerable House Republican Reps. Gabe Evans (CO-08), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), John James (MI-10), and Tom Kean Jr. all sit on the committee and will be in the spotlight as the GOP moves forward.
“House Republicans will need to decide if their loyalty is to the people they represent back home, or to the billionaires who would most benefit from gutting Medicaid. We bet they’ll pick the billionaires,” concluded Shulman.
The cuts to Medicaid needed to pass the Republican-led billionaire tax bill would see the top 0.1% of earners getting more than the bottom 50% of all Americans.
Published: May 12, 2025