House Republicans have unveiled a budget blueprint that includes significant spending cuts, raising concerns among advocates for Medicaid and food stamps, crucial safety net programs for low-income individuals.
The budget resolution, released on Tuesday, marks the first step in developing a legislative package that aligns with President Donald Trump's priorities on border security and tax reform.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, responsible for Medicaid oversight, is tasked with identifying savings of at least $880 billion over the next ten years. Similarly, the Agriculture Committee, which manages food stamps, is required to find savings of at least $230 billion.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticized the proposed cuts, accusing GOP lawmakers of funding tax breaks for the wealthy by slashing programs that support vulnerable populations. Hospital industry groups, many of which rely on Medicaid funding, have also urged lawmakers to reject significant reductions to the program.
Joan Alker, the executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, warned that the proposed cuts could reduce Medicaid spending by approximately 11%, leading to severe consequences for state budgets and the millions of individuals who depend on Medicaid for healthcare coverage.
House Republicans have put forth a range of potential spending cuts, including substantial modifications to Medicaid and food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes involve introducing work requirements for Medicaid and expanding them for SNAP recipients, adjusting federal funding formulas for Medicaid, and repealing a recent increase in food stamp benefits implemented by the Biden administration.
