Twelve Republicans say they come from districts with a significant Medicaid population and the qualification program should not be on the chopping block.
A group of House Republicans in Swing District have written a letter opposed to the possibility of Medicaid reductions in the upcoming settlement bill to pass President Donald Trump’s signature legislative item.
The April 14 letter obtained by the Epoch Times was written by 12 Republicans led by David Valadao (R-Calif.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), house speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House majority leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), House Mulity Whip Tom Emmer (R-Lis commoner), and House emern. (r-ky.).
In addition to the varadao and bacon, the signer of the letter is the person in charge. Rob Whitman (R-Va.), Jeff Van Drew (RN.J.), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA.), Juan Ciscommani (R-Ariz), Jen Kigggans (R-Va.), Young Kim (R-Calif.), Nicole Mallakis (RN.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (RN.Y.), and Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.).
Among them, 12 Republicans say they come from districts with a significant Medicaid population and the qualification program should not be on the chopping block.
“Balancing the federal budget should not come at the expense of those who rely on these interests for health and economic security,” they wrote.
They acknowledged that reforms are needed to ensure that Medicaid’s program-based money is not diverted from people in need.
They support “targeted reforms,” but said they would not cut eligibility.
The Medicaid issue has been spotlighted for a budget resolution that passed both Houses of Congress this month, unlocking the settlement process, directing the House Energy and Commerce Committee to find a $880 billion deficit reduction over a decade.
This, critics say, could face cuts in the qualification program.
Johnson said it would not be cut, and instead said Congress would eradicate waste, fraud and abuse in the program.
“Medicaid cuts also threaten the viability of hospitals, nursing homes and safety net providers across the country,” Republicans wrote in their letter.
“Many hospitals, especially in rural areas and underserved areas, are heavily involved in Medicaid funding, and some receive more than half of their revenues from the programs alone.
“Providers in these areas are especially at risk of closures, and many people are unable to recover. When hospitals close, it affects all components, regardless of medical coverage.”
The 12 members called on Johnson, Scullyse, Emmer and Guthrie to “prioritize the care of our country’s most vulnerable groups.”
The Epoch Times contacted Johnson, Scullyse, Emmer and Guthrie’s offices to comment on the letter.
The settlement allows Congress to pass measures related to taxation, expenditures and government bonds without being subject to the Senate 60-vote filibuster threshold that applies to most laws.
