President Donald Trump is hoping that Republicans in Congress will pass a "big, beautiful bill' sooner rather than later and get it onto his desk for signature.
But within House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-Louisiana) caucus, there are some major differences over what should or shouldn't go into the bill. And Senate Republicans don't necessarily see eye to eye with House Republicans on the megabill that Trump envisions.
One source of contention among House Republicans, according to The Hill's Emily Brooks, is Medicaid. A group of House Republicans in swing districts, Brooks reports, are making it clear that they will vote "no" to any bill that includes major cuts to the program.
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On Monday, April 14, Brooks reports, a group of 12 "vulnerable and moderate" House Republicans in "competitive" districts sent a letter to Johnson, with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) also voicing their concerns.
The letter read, "We cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations…. Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security."
The letter was sent by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) and Rep. David Valadao (R-California), and other GOP lawmakers who signed it included three in New York State (Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino), one in New Jersey (Jeff Van Drew), two in Virginia (Jen Kiggans, Rob Wittman), one in Pennsylvania (Rob Bresnahan) and one in Arizona (Juan Ciscomani).
"Cuts to Medicaid also threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes, and safety-net providers nationwide," the GOP lawmakers also warned in their letter. "Many hospitals — particularly in rural and underserved areas — rely heavily on Medicaid funding, with some receiving over half their revenue from the program alone. Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closure, with many unable to recover. When hospitals close, it affects all constituents, regardless of healthcare coverage."
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The House Republicans continued, "To strengthen Medicaid, we urge you to prioritize care for our nation’s most vulnerable populations. Our constituents are asking for changes to the healthcare system that will strengthen the healthcare workforce, offer low-income, working-class families expanded opportunities to save for medical expenses, support rural and underserved communities, and help new mothers."
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Read The Hill's full article at this link.