CAPE MAY, NJ — As President Donald Trump urges Congress to advance a sweeping legislative package, internal divisions within the Republican Party — particularly over Medicaid — are complicating efforts to unite behind a single plan.
A group of 12 moderate and swing-district House Republicans issued a warning this week, stating they will not support any bill that includes cuts to Medicaid.
Their opposition comes as GOP leaders face mounting pressure to deliver what Trump has called a “big, beautiful bill.”
The moderate Republicans sent a letter on Monday, April 14, to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), urging them to protect the federal healthcare program.
“We cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations,” the lawmakers wrote. “Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security.”
The signatories include Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), along with GOP representatives from competitive districts in New York (Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino), New Jersey (Jeff Van Drew), Virginia (Jen Kiggans, Rob Wittman), Pennsylvania (Rob Bresnahan), and Arizona (Juan Ciscomani).
Medicaid funding at center of budget battle
The letter emphasizes that cuts to Medicaid could destabilize rural and underserved healthcare providers.
“Many hospitals — particularly in rural and underserved areas — rely heavily on Medicaid funding,” the lawmakers stated. “When hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage.”
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, are reportedly not fully aligned with their House counterparts on Trump’s envisioned legislative package, increasing the likelihood of further negotiation hurdles ahead.
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Key Points
- Trump urges Congress to pass a major legislative bill, but GOP divided on Medicaid.
- Twelve House Republicans say they will oppose any bill with Medicaid cuts.
- Lawmakers warn that reductions could devastate rural hospitals and safety-net providers.
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