Overview
- Rep. David Valadao is leading efforts by at-risk Republicans to block Medicaid and Medicare cuts, organizing group chats and signing a letter with 12 swing-district lawmakers opposing the reductions.
- The proposed cuts are part of a GOP budget plan seeking $880 billion in savings, with Medicaid, which covers 70 million Americans, as a primary target.
- Valadao’s district has the highest number of Medicaid recipients among Republican-held districts, driving his cautious approach after losing his seat in 2018 over health care votes.
- Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, plan to meet with President Trump to discuss the budget, but the fate of the proposed cuts remains uncertain.
- Advocacy groups and public opposition are amplifying pressure on lawmakers, warning of steep coverage losses and electoral risks tied to the proposed reductions.