Moderate Republicans Push Back On GOP
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Moderate Republicans in the House are sounding the alarm: they will no longer rubber-stamp sweeping Medicaid cuts just to see them stripped out by a gridlocked Senate. It’s a bold stand to protect the integrity of President Trump’s America First policy agenda — and a direct challenge to the old Washington power games.
Why It Matters:
This fight over Medicaid reform is shaping up to be a defining moment for House Republicans as they try to deliver on conservative spending cuts without sacrificing political capital — or alienating voters in swing districts.
In recent years, GOP leaders have used high-stakes conservative bills to strengthen their hand in Senate negotiations. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his predecessor Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) both followed that script. But this time, moderates are saying “enough is enough.”
“There’s a group of 20-plus Republicans who want to vote only on bills that are serious and realistic,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.). “We’ve done the heavy lifting. No more messaging bills.”
Medicaid Reform: The Sticking Point
At the heart of the debate: the House GOP’s push to cut up to $880 billion in federal spending — with Medicaid on the chopping block. Conservative lawmakers are demanding strong reforms: work requirements, eligibility checks, and limits on taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants.
But moderates, many from suburban or purple districts, are warning that deep cuts to Medicaid could backfire — both politically and practically.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), a former Democrat turned Trump Republican, didn’t mince words: “The worst outcome is passing a bold bill in the House only to watch the Senate gut it and the White House kill it. We’ve made that clear to leadership.”
Conservatives Sound the Alarm
House conservatives have been pressing hard for structural reforms to control the deficit, including Medicaid changes. But they’re frustrated by Senate hesitance — and don’t want their efforts watered down.
“Leadership keeps saying, ‘Don’t worry, the Senate will fix it,’” said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.). “We’ve already taken two tough votes. Now they want a third? We feel like we’re being pushed off a cliff.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) added: “I’m not going to support a bill with deep Medicaid cuts just for the sake of negotiations. It’s not happening.”
Speaker Johnson: Walking a Tightrope
To ease tensions, Speaker Johnson has signaled that some of the more aggressive Medicaid measures — like slashing the federal match rate for expansion states — are off the table. He also suggested that controversial “per capita caps,” which could shift massive costs onto states, are unlikely to be included.
Still, Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) says the conversation isn’t over. “We’re still considering all the options,” he said, keeping the door open to deeper cuts.
Johnson insists there’s unity across chambers: “We’re in close coordination with Senate Republicans and the White House team. We expect only minimal changes when the bill reaches the Senate.”
The Bottom Line:
This isn’t just a policy dispute — it’s a battle over how the GOP governs in the Trump era. Will Republicans deliver real, lasting spending reform? Or will they fall back into the old habit of passing bold bills in the House, only to watch them die in the Senate?
President Trump’s supporters are watching closely. The fight over Medicaid cuts isn’t just about numbers — it’s about defending taxpayers, reining in big government, and staying true to the America First vision that got Trump elected.
