Overview

• A group of 12 moderate House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson stating they will not support a budget reconciliation bill that reduces Medicaid coverage.
• The lawmakers, representing districts with high Medicaid reliance, emphasize that balancing the budget should not come at the expense of vulnerable populations' health and economic security.
• The House budget resolution mandates $880 billion in cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services over the next decade, a goal analysts say is unattainable without significant Medicaid changes.
• Republican leaders advocate for targeted reforms, such as work requirements and fraud prevention, but moderates fear these measures could harm hospitals and safety-net providers, particularly in rural areas.
• The GOP's slim House majority means these defections could derail the reconciliation process, complicating efforts to advance President Trump's tax and spending agenda.