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Moderate Republicans Push Back Against Proposed Medicaid and Medicare Cuts

Led by Rep. David Valadao, a group of swing-district GOP lawmakers is pressuring party leadership to reconsider deep health program reductions, citing political and human consequences.

Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif., speaks during the Congressional Hispanic Conference press conference in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
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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.