Title: House Republicans Propose Major Cuts to Medicaid Amid Efforts to Renew Tax Breaks
Washington, D.C. — A proposed legislative package unveiled by House Republicans late Sunday aims to generate at least $880 billion in savings, primarily from cuts to Medicaid, to fund the renewal of $4.5 trillion in tax breaks originally enacted during President Donald Trump’s tenure. This initiative marks a significant political battle over health care, reminiscent of previous attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during Trump’s first term.
The legislation, which consists of hundreds of pages, has sparked concerns among Democrats, who warn that the cuts could result in millions losing their health care coverage. A preliminary assessment by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that approximately 8.6 million people could be without health coverage over the next decade.
Republicans defend the cuts as necessary to eliminate “waste, fraud, and abuse,” with Rep. Brett Guthrie emphasizing the aim of preserving tax cuts for middle-class families. However, critics like Rep. Frank Pallone have labeled the measures “shameful,” arguing they echo a failed repeal of the ACA and would lead to hospital closures, increased premiums, and reduced access to care for seniors.
With a Memorial Day deadline set by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republicans plan extensive public hearings to discuss the bill’s components, hoping to secure at least $1.5 trillion in total savings. Some GOP members have openly opposed cuts to health safety net programs, complicating the legislative process.
Central to the proposed changes are new rules for Medicaid eligibility, including “community engagement requirements” mandating 80 hours of work or education monthly for certain enrollees. The bill would also halt a 5% funding boost introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating potential challenges for those seeking to maintain coverage.
The package’s energy provisions, while less intricate, propose significant rollbacks of Biden-era climate initiatives and enhanced permitting for fossil fuel projects. The outcome of this legislation remains uncertain as more than a dozen House Republicans express apprehension about its impact on health care access.
Reported by Amanda Seitz, Associated Press.
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